Doctor highlights risks and challenges associated with multiple pregnancies as woman gives birth to four babies in Rajasthan

A rare medical incident unfolded in Rajasthan, after a 21-year-old woman gave birth to quadruplets, captivating both medical professionals and the public. 

Santosh Prajapati, a resident of Dausa, delivered four babies — two boys and two girls — through natural childbirth at a local hospital, presenting a rare case that highlights the complexities and challenges associated with multiple pregnancies.

According to a report by NDTV, hospital superintendent Asha Verma told reporters that Prajapati “was admitted to Unit-6 of the hospital on August 4. On Monday morning, at around 8 a.m., the woman gave birth to four children through normal delivery.”

The four infants, each weighing between 700 grams to 1 kilogram, have been placed under special medical observation due to breathing difficulties, it mentioned. This case highlights the critical care required in managing multiple births. 

The risks involved

Dr Gaana Sreenivas, senior consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Bone and Birth Clinic, Bengaluru, says, “Carrying quadruplets, or any multiple pregnancy, puts a significant strain on the mother’s body. The biggest concern is premature birth. The uterus is simply not designed to accommodate four growing babies to full term. This can lead to complications for the babies, like respiratory distress, underdeveloped organs, and low birth weight.”

She adds that preeclampsia is a dangerous condition characterised by high blood pressure and organ damage. It is more common in multiple pregnancies and can lead to serious complications for both mother and babies if not managed promptly.

“Carrying multiple babies increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes, which can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery. The increased demand for iron and other nutrients can lead to anaemia, causing fatigue and weakness in the mother,” Dr Srinivas adds. 

The risk of excessive bleeding after delivery is higher due to the large placental area and overstretched uterus. These risks underscore the need for specialised care and close monitoring throughout the pregnancy.

Low birth weight and prematurity can lead to breathing difficulties (Source: Freepik)

Health of the babies 

Dr Srinivas says, “While quadruplets are a joy, their health is a constant concern, both in the short and long term.”

 Short-Term Concerns

*Low birth weight and prematurity can lead to breathing difficulties, feeding problems, and developmental delays.

*Increased risk of infections and complications due to underdeveloped immune systems.

Long-Term Concerns

*Increased risk of learning disabilities, vision and hearing problems, and cerebral palsy.

*Ongoing monitoring and potential interventions may be required throughout childhood.

It’s important for parents to be aware of these potential challenges and seek appropriate medical and developmental support for their quadruplets.

Prenatal care and precautions to take

Prenatal care for quadruplet pregnancies is far more intensive than a singleton pregnancy, agrees Dr Srinivas . It usually involves:

Frequent Ultrasounds:  Regular ultrasounds are necessary to monitor the growth and development of each baby, check for any complications, and plan for the delivery.

Specialised Care: A high-risk obstetrician specialising in multiple pregnancies will oversee the care.

Nutritional Guidance: A registered dietitian will help ensure the mother gets adequate nutrition to support four growing babies.

Cervical Monitoring: Close monitoring of the cervix is crucial to prevent premature labour.

Potential Hospitalisation: In some cases, hospitalisation may be necessary towards the end of pregnancy to ensure close monitoring and timely intervention if needed.

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