A natural quintuplet pregnancy and a miraculous C-section

Dili, 24, safely delivered natural quintuplets thanks to the presence of over 20 medical professionals and meticulous emergency C-section drills.

The birth of natural quintuplets via C-section on 26/2 at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in Hubei province, China, is being hailed as a rare medical feat. This extraordinary event is particularly remarkable given that the global incidence of natural quintuplet pregnancies is approximately one in 60 million, according to Global Times on 27/2. Both Dili, the mother, and her five babies are reported to be safe.

The five babies, comprising one boy and four girls, weighed between 870 grams and 1,030 grams. "A weight has finally been lifted from my heart," shared Dili, who hails from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, during her post-operative examination.

Medical staff examine Dili after the quintuplet birth. Photo: Hubei Daily.

Dili had previously been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition known to complicate conception and increase the risk of miscarriage. Following treatment, she conceived naturally last August. Early prenatal check-ups revealed she was carrying multiple fetuses, placing her in an extremely high-risk category with potential complications for both mother and babies.

Concerned about the risks of hemorrhage and other emergencies, Dili and her husband traveled thousands of kilometers to Wuhan to consult with Dr. Li. A dedicated team of specialists, including experts in Obstetrics, Neonatology, Anesthesiology, Prenatal Diagnosis, and Ultrasound, was assembled to closely monitor Dili's condition, even when she returned to Xinjiang. As her due date approached, Dili returned to Wuhan, where Dr. Li convened an expert panel to finalize emergency plans and conduct surgical drills.

On 25/2, in her 29th week of pregnancy, Dili showed signs of premature rupture of membranes. The hospital immediately activated an emergency C-section protocol. Within just 15 minutes, over 20 medical professionals were ready for the procedure. The surgery began around 2 a.m. on 26/2. The five babies were born consecutively, each undergoing a health assessment before being placed in incubators and transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Pediatrician Yang Pu stated that despite being extremely premature and underweight, it was rare for all five babies to achieve Apgar scores (a scale assessing newborn health) above 6 points, with relatively stable vital signs. However, the babies still face challenges related to respiration, infection, and nutrition in the coming period. Dr. Li Jiafu, head of the Obstetrics Department, with nearly 40 years of experience, remarked that this was the most complex multiple pregnancy he had ever encountered.

The approximately one-hour "relay race" of the delivery concluded successfully. The story of this "extraordinary mother" and the dedication of the medical team deeply moved Chinese social media users. Many sent congratulatory messages to the family, calling it "a miracle of miracles" and "the best Lunar New Year gift."