A British couple received an extra miracle when the triplets they thought they were expecting actually turned out to be quadruplets — a one in 700,000 chance.
Gemma Robson, 35, thought she was only having one baby until she learned she was having triplets during her 12-week ultrasound. But then the surprises kept coming. During her 17-week ultrasound, she and partner Andy Raine found out there was another baby, meaning they were expecting quadruplets.
“I couldn’t believe it when we were told we were having quadruplets, and I nearly fainted,” Raine told the Daily Mail.
Originally, Robson was due on February 1, but once the quadruplets were discovered, doctors planned a C-section for December 7th. Instead, the quadruplets decided they were ready to be born on November 18th.
“On Friday night I felt a bit of discomfort, but with four babies in there I thought they were just moving around. However, on Saturday morning I woke up and couldn’t stand up,” Robson said. “My waters hadn’t broken but I could feel my contractions had started and so we drove to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). After examination, I was taken down for an emergency c-section.”
All four babies — Dani, Skye, Mia, and Taylor — were born safely, though they are expected to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit due to their size. They were transferred to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where they are expected to stay for 12 weeks.
“I still don’t think I’ve processed it all yet,” Robson said. “I’ve a mixture of emotions in that I’m glad they all came out okay and it’s a big relief as they were becoming very heavy to carry, but you obviously do still worry that they will be okay.”
The delivery had an added twist as well: Raine passed out during the delivery and missed seeing his daughters’ births.
“I was in a bit of shock in the delivery room and I don’t really remember the arrival of the babies as I passed out and woke up on a pillow on the floor,” he said. “By the time I came round, all four had been born and it was an amazing feeling to see them. They are healthy, but small and premature and so it was only on Tuesday that I had the chance to hold Skye, which was brilliant.”
For now, the couple is focused on the babies getting stronger, so they can join big sister Millie Grace at home. Robson said, “I’m really looking forward to having all the girls home.”
