Doctors estimate the chances of having identical quadruplets at around one in 15 million, underscoring the remarkable nature of Mercedes and Jonathan Sandhu's situation. The couple welcomed four identical girls on May 1 in Texas.
Texas Couple Welcomes Four Identical Quadruplet Daughters
Hannah Grace, Lucy Marie, Rebecca Claire, and Petra Anne were born via cesarean section at 29 weeks of gestation. Petra weighed the least at 2 pounds, 7 ounces, while Hannah was the heaviest at 2 pounds, 13 ounces.
Mercedes, 34, and Jonathan, 37, both engineers, are also parents to Luke, 3, and Aaron, 18 months. This unexpected third pregnancy brought great surprise and joy.
"Although we weren't actively trying, we were thrilled. Adding another sibling for our boys was exciting," Mercedes shares. "But discovering we were expecting four... Holy moly!" Jonathan adds in agreement.
Spontaneous identical quadruplets are incredibly rare, with approximately 72 documented cases in medical history. DNA testing confirmed the Sandhu sisters' identical status, though the family awaits final confirmation through placenta examination.
During an ultrasound at seven weeks, Mercedes was stunned to see four distinct sacs, initially laughing then crying at the revelation. Jonathan, initially skeptical, realized the gravity of the news when Mercedes' doctor explained the risks associated with carrying quadruplets.
Despite the difficulties, the couple prefers to focus on the positivity. Jonathan remarks on the astounding odds of conceiving identical quadruplets, instilling confidence in their daughters' resilience. The birth of Hannah, Lucy, Rebecca, and Petra on May 1 brought immense relief and joy, especially considering the high-risk nature of the pregnancy.
The quadruplets are currently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Texas Children's Hospital, receiving care through CPAP machines and feeding tubes. Doctors anticipate their homecoming by July, with updates available on the Sandhus' Instagram page.
Mercedes and Jonathan are set to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary on May 18, with Mercedes humorously declaring the babies as her anniversary gift to Jonathan, a gesture impossible to surpass.
Couple Had Hoped for Twins but Unexpectedly Blessed with Quadruplets
Michael and Hannah Carmack of Alabama had initially hoped for a second child but were surprised with quadruplets instead. Born on March 14 at the UAB Women and Infants Center in Birmingham, the quadruplets comprise two sets of identical twins: Evelyn and Adeline, and David and Daniel, delivered via Cesarean section at 27 weeks gestation.
Hannah's astonishment grew during her initial ultrasound when she discovered four sacs instead of the expected two. Despite the unexpected news, Michael expressed joy, stating his desire for a large family. They attribute their situation to a higher purpose, strengthened by their faith. The quadruplets will remain in hospital care until their due date in June.
The couple is renovating their home with the help of a GoFundMe campaign, while Hannah, a veterinary technician, balances work with bonding time with the babies.
Michael commended his wife's efforts, emphasizing her dedication. The uncommonness of spontaneous quadruplets, especially with two sets of identical twins, highlights the amazing nature of their circumstances, according to maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Meghana Limaye.
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