Couple living in Karachi welcomes quintuplets

KARACHI: In a rare and high-risk case, a couple from Baldia Town, Karachi, has welcomed quintuplets, three girls and two boys, delivered prematurely via emergency caesarean section at a local hospital.

Doctors stated the babies were born at just 29 weeks of gestation, significantly earlier than the standard 37 to 40 weeks – categorising them as ‘extremely premature’.

Due to their premature birth, all five newborns are severely underweight and are reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties. They also require intensive medical care and observation.

This period in the first few weeks is crucial for these infants, as their ability to overcome these initial hurdles significantly impacts their long-term health and development. The ongoing medical care and observation in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are essential for their survival and to mitigate the risks of these severe complications, sources familiar with the neonates’ medical treatment said.

The quintuplets’ father, Adnan Sheikh, works as a driver for a private company. Speaking to media, he expressed both joy and concern over the arrival of his children. “I am overwhelmed with happiness and praying for their health,” he said.

He also confirmed that his wife’s condition is stable following the surgery.

The news quickly made it to mainstream and social media, with netizens postulating that given the rarity of naturally conceived quintuplets, it is a strong possibility that some form of fertility treatment played a role in this case. Regardless, the birth of quintuplets is a remarkable event that brings unique challenges and joys.

The family has requested prayers from the public for the well-being of all five newborns.

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