Rare Quintuplets Born in Karachi

A couple residing in Baldia Town, Karachi, has celebrated the arrival of quintuplets—three girls and two boys. The infants were delivered prematurely through an emergency C-section at a nearby medical facility, marking a unique and critical case.

Adnan Sheikh, the father, mentioned that this was their first pregnancy after a year of marriage.

Physicians have indicated that the newborns were delivered at just 29 weeks of gestation, considerably earlier than the typical 37 to 40 weeks, categorizing them as extremely premature.

All five babies presented with very low birth weights and were immediately placed on oxygen due to underdeveloped lungs, which is common in premature births. They are currently receiving constant monitoring and care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Hospital authorities have stated that while the quintuplets are showing slow but steady signs of progress, the initial weeks are crucial. Babies born prior to 32 weeks face a heightened risk of severe complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, brain bleeds, infections, and potential long-term developmental issues.

A hospital neonatologist commented, “The birth of quintuplets is extraordinarily rare and presents significant medical challenges for both the mother and the newborns. Their survival and healthy maturation are highly dependent on immediate and continuous specialized neonatal support.”

Adnan Sheikh, employed as a driver by a private company, conveyed his mixture of joy and apprehension. “I am filled with immense happiness and am constantly praying for their well-being,” he shared. He also confirmed that his wife is in stable condition post-surgery.

Multiple births, like quintuplets, often result from fertility treatments or hereditary predispositions. However, the family has not revealed whether any reproductive assistance was utilized in this particular case.

As the infants continue to undergo intensive medical treatment, medical professionals remain cautiously optimistic, while recognizing the challenges ahead. The family has requested that the public offer prayers for the health of all five newborns.