On 16/4, doctors at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital reported on a first-time mother pregnant with a boy and a girl through in vitro fertilization. During her pregnancy, the patient had a history of preterm birth, with signs of a short cervix appearing from week 20.

Doctors describe the birth of the two babies as a rare feat, a miracle. *Photo: Hospital provided*.

From week 22, the patient experienced abdominal pain, discharge, uterine contractions, and cervical dilation. About one week later, she was admitted to the A4 Obstetrics Department for emergency care, with her cervix dilated two to three cm.

"At this point, the first fetus was very low, with a foot protruding from the amniotic sac, indicating a severe prognosis and a high risk of preterm birth and infection", said Doctor Truong Minh Phuong, the lead physician.

Doctor Mai Trong Hung, the hospital director, and Doctor Phuong assessed that continuing the pregnancy would be difficult, with a high risk of infection threatening both the mother and the remaining fetus. At week 26, the mother went into labor, and a baby girl was born prematurely, weighing 650 grams. She was transferred to the National Children's Hospital for treatment, where she experienced complications including brain hemorrhage and infection.

After carefully weighing the risks to the mother, the remaining fetus, and the potential for increased survival if carried longer, doctors decided to administer treatment to halt labor and retain the second fetus in the mother's uterus.

"Typically, the second fetus is born immediately after the first. This was a landmark decision, offering a higher chance of survival for the baby", Doctor Hung stated.

The 12-week fetal retention process involved a strict treatment regimen and continuous adjustments. The patient required rigorous infection control. The fetus developed and gained weight steadily, though slowly.

On the morning of 15/4, at 38 weeks gestation, doctors held a consultation and decided on a cesarean section. The baby boy was born weighing 2,4 kg and was in stable condition. The baby girl, weighing 1,8 kg, was breathing and feeding independently with good reflexes.

Doctors consult before a challenging medical case. *Photo: Hospital provided*.

According to doctors, retaining the second fetus for an additional 12 weeks after the first birth is an exceptionally long and rare period. This represents a significant advancement in obstetrics, offering new possibilities for high-risk twin pregnancies.

Doctors recommend that expectant mothers closely monitor their pregnancies using 4D ultrasound, color doppler, and fetal heart rate monitoring to detect any abnormalities early. Regular examinations and prenatal ultrasounds allow doctors to determine appropriate and safe management for both mother and baby.

Thuy An