Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi woman gives birth to quintuplets | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Riyadh, Asharq al Awsat – A 28 year old Saudi woman gave birth to quintuplets at the Security Forces Hospital on Tuesday. Earlier in the year, the mother of three boys and two girls underwent artificial insemination and had seven embryos implanted in her uterus, following a long period of infertility.

Dr. Hissa al Dohamy, a consultant and the head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics department at the hospital who supervised the delivery by C-section said the woman suffered from blood poisoning in the 7th month of her pregnancy and was in danger of aborting the unborn foetuses. She was given the appropriate drugs to dilate her cervix and referred to the Gynaecology department.

“The mother suffered from high blood pressure which put the lives of the fetuses in danger. When ultrasound confirmed she was carrying five babies, the department notified the premature babies unit. Specialist doctors discussed her situation and decided to operate; all the necessary measures were taken and the nursing and medical staff did their utmost to ensure a smooth delivery.” Dr. al Dohamy indicated.

The five siblings were fitted with artificial breathing equipment and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. They weighed between 750 and 1000 grams at birth and were in a stable condition.

Artificial insemination of more than three embryos is illegal because carrying several foetuses can endanger the mother’s health and harm the babies.