Beating the Odds

Today, another first for me on the OB wards at Tenwek. A pregnant woman presented with some spotting, leaking fluid and mild cramping. She should have been 29 weeks based on her last menstrual period. Her uterus on abdominal exam measured over 40 weeks. And on ultrasound we found four babies. Quadruplets! There is definitely a higher number of multiples here - but spontaneous quads are rare no matter where you live. A quick internet search states the odds are 1 in 571,787. So far, she is stable and we are managing her with antibiotics, steroids (to help mature the fetal lungs more quickly) and bedrest. Hopefully she will stay pregnant for a few more weeks and maximize their chance for survival. I will keep you posted.