Katie Smith was just an average girl who was in her mid-twenties when she experienced something extraordinary. When she was 24 years old, something started growing inside of her, but doctors couldn’t tell what it was.
Her Pregnancy Revealed Something Out Of The Ordinary
The Beginning
Katie’s belly grew really big and really fast, so it seemed like she was pregnant! However, the weird part was that Katie wasn’t pregnant. All of the pregnancy tests she took said negative. Unfortunately, her overwhelming concerns were being dismissed by doctors.
The Beginning
Her Story
Hailing from Swansea in Wales, 28-year-old Katie Smith started gaining weight in 2014. She looked like she was nine months pregnant within just a couple of years. In a BBC interview, she said that although she was never very skinny, her belly gradually got bigger.
Her Story
Healthy Lifestyle
Keeping her figure was something Katie was really conscious of, so she lived a healthy life. She made sure to spend time at the gym since she loved her curves. This is why she felt so infuriated with her progressive weight gain. However, the mystery did not get solved for a long time.
Say Hi To Katie
Not As It Seems
Katie thought at the time that not being able to join her work Christmas party was her biggest problem. She felt insecure while wearing her outfit as she thought she wasn’t thin enough.
Not As It Seems
Too Fast To Keep Up With
Even though she tried everything, Katie’s stomach still continued to grow. “I was exercising and eating healthily but I was slowly getting bigger. There’s nothing worse than keeping a healthy lifestyle but still gaining an excessive amount of weight,” she recalled.
Too Fast To Keep Up With
What Was Going On?
Katie said, “It crept up so slowly [that] I didn’t know anything was wrong – I thought I was putting on timber.” Despite following a strict diet and working out a lot, she still put on so much weight.
What Was Going On?
Not Just Growing
It came to a point where she could no longer ignore her excessive weight gain. She started to notice that the weight she put on was going to her stomach directly and it also felt different. She wondered what to do about it.
Not Just Growing
Staying Hopeful
Her belly began to feel hard. It was uncomfortable to touch too. Nevertheless, she tried to be positive and hopeful that it would go away in time…. Sometimes, however, things don’t go the way we would like them to.
Staying Hopeful
There’s Only One Explanation
She was going up dress sizes really quickly and became a size eight in no time. However, she was still afraid to visit a doctor. Her dad was a doctor, which made her a little apprehensive.
There’s Only One Explanation
Her Gut Feeling
Katie had no clue that there were bigger concerns coming. By then, she could think of only one explanation, but she wasn’t sure if she would like to believe it. So, what was on her mind?
Her Gut Feeling
With Child
Given all the factors, Katie thought there was just one possible reason for all of this – she was pregnant. She had a serious boyfriend, was gaining weight, was always exhausted, and her belly was growing.
With Child
Unplanned Pregnancy
Looking at the factors, one could be led to think that a bun was indeed in the oven! Both Katie and her boyfriend got nervous about this possibility. If she was pregnant, it was certainly unplanned. However, this was definitely a possibility given her situation.
Unplanned Pregnancy
Soon To Be Parents
Katie and Jamie Gibbons, her boyfriend, had been together for 10 years. They did think she could be pregnant. Despite the fact that they weren’t ready for it, the pair knew they needed to check at least.
Soon To Be Parents
The Blue Stripe
Seeing the negative pregnancy test, Katie and James were both shocked. The couple thought that the test was probably incorrect, so she took another one right away. However, it came out negative again.
The Blue Strip
Getting Really Worried
The pair were surprised, so they finally decided to go to a doctor. They were wondering what exactly was happening. She might be sick or have had a miscarriage. So many dreaded things popped into her head. She felt really scared.
Getting Really Worried
Facing Her Fears
There were no other options left for Katie. She had to see a doctor. However, the answer that she received was unfortunately not what she expected nor hoped for. According to the doctor, she was “merely fat.” Upon hearing this, she thought that there was no way out.
Facing Her Fears
Following Her Instincts
The doctors dismissed Katie’s worries, but she still felt something was not right. However, she ignored it since it didn’t really affect her daily routine. Nevertheless, she still couldn’t figure out what was happening.
Following Her Instincts
Not Trustworthy
Katie couldn’t stop thinking about the tests and doctors saying that she wasn’t pregnant when it seemed like she was indeed pregnant. She didn’t totally trust the doctors and what they said. However, she also thought that they were professionals and should trust them.
Not Trustworthy
No Solution
If Katie were pregnant, at least she would no longer have the problem after giving birth. However, her belly kept growing for two years. It continued to get larger and larger every month until something awful occurred at work.
No Solution
She Collapsed
Katie was at work, doing the usual stuff, when she suddenly felt light-headed and nauseated. Then, she lost consciousness. When she came to, her colleagues told her she had fainted.
She Collapsed
A Difficult Period
The incident made Katie realize that she had to see a doctor as soon as possible. “It was a tough period in work and when I passed out my GP put it down to stress,” she explained. Since she couldn’t think of any other explanation, she decided to continue living her life like before.
A Difficult Period
All From Stress?
Katie wondered whether it was actually possible to pass out due to being too stressed out. Even though she wasn’t too convinced, her doctor reassured her nothing major was happening, and she certainly wasn’t pregnant.
All From Stress?
Not What It Appears
It became impossible for Katie to avoid unwanted questions about the “pregnancy.” People noticed that her belly was getting bigger and bigger. It was no use trying to ignore it. Katie needed to explain things repeatedly.
No End In Sight
Katie’s response to questions about her “pregnancy” was always the same. She would say, “The doctors say I am just overweight.” The situation definitely annoyed her but she didn’t see the end coming as well.
No End In Sight
Due Date
According to Katie, she was always getting asked when she was due to give birth. After some time, she started lying to spare others the embarrassment. She simply told people that she is overweight. That is what she believed anyway.
Due Date
Changing Appearance
Waddling around with a large belly, Katie began feeling embarrassed about the way she looked. She even started buying clothes in the maternity section as nothing fit her.
Changing Appearance
Maternity Clothes
Katie said, “I remember trying to shop for clothes in December 2016 and nothing would fit. I was skin and bone on top, then this massive lump and normal legs. The only thing that was going to fit was maternity wear.”
Maternity Clothesv
Needs Help
She stubbornly refused getting professional help. However, after experiencing difficulties in breathing, several blackouts at work, and excessive weight gain interfering with her life, Katie finally sought assistance.
Needs Help
Seeking Assistance
Still, had her coworkers not insisted on Katie getting checked out, this wouldn’t have happened. Many people probably wonder why Katie had not looked after herself better and why it took her a long time to seek help when it was clear that something was off.
Seeking Assistance
A New Explanation
Katie tried to go about her life and avoid her situation, but after she fainted four times, she decided enough was enough! This time, the doctor said her acne medication was to blame for her exhaustion. However, she refused to accept this.
A New Explanation
Time To Stand Up
The doctors seemed like they were not taking her situation or symptoms seriously, and kept blaming other causes and things happening in Katie’s life. Finally, she made a decision to stand her ground.
Time To Stand Up
Enough Was Enough
It had been several months since she last took her acne medication. Katie insisted that there had to be some other explanation. She got a second opinion and was told that pregnancy had to be the cause of everything. However, all the blood tests that the doctor did came back negative.
Enough Was Enough
Getting To The Bottom Of It
Her GP’s conclusion was that Katie was pregnant even if the blood tests results were negative and there was no further examination. Then, he ordered another ultrasound. Katie was already having difficulty doing most things, even walking, at this point. She was having a hard time breathing as well.
Getting To The Bottom Of It
The Truth At Last
When the doctor saw Katie, he requested they check whether she was pregnant right away. It seemed like Katie was finally going to understand what exactly was going on. However, a new can of worms was also opened, one that she had not expected.
The Truth At Last
Terrified
As the doctor did the ultrasound, Katie watched her. It became clear from the medical professional’s expression that something was not right. Her eyes widened and she looked quite scared.
Terrified
Consoling Katie
The doctor made a request for a consultant. Katie got paralyzed with fear. Although her boyfriend Jamie attempted to console her, she could not stop feeling the panic. What exactly was going on inside her?
Consoling Katie
Not Pregnant
There was nothing on the ultrasound screen, which means Katie was not pregnant. Nevertheless, something was still happening inside her stomach and the only thing that they knew was that Katie was in danger.
Not Pregnant
Shocking News
There were endless possibilities – a tumor, a cyst, and many others. They needed a CT scan to find out. Understandably, Katie felt shocked and really worried about what was coming. Her mind raced, thinking of different possibilities.
Shocking News
Emergency CT
Since the ultrasound came out blank, a CT was requested right away and it revealed astonishing news. Naturally, the doctors did their best to prepare Katie for the news. She and her boyfriend sat next to each other holding hands and waited to hear the big news.
Emergency CT
Definitely Not Pregnant
Katie wasn’t pregnant and her large belly was due to a huge ovarian mass. Her whole world went crashing down. The doctor was unable to confirm exactly the thing they were dealing with. For Katie, this likely made the situation worse.
Definitely Not Pregnant
To The Skin
It wasn’t an average cyst since it was 24 centimeters thick. In addition, it was attached to Katie’s stomach. Finally, her excessive weight gain was explained, but still, her life was in danger. Immediate measures needed to be taken.
To The Skin
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst?
A cyst is basically a fluid-filled sac that may form on a woman’s ovary. Cysts are very common. They usually do not cause harm and often resolve on their own. However, that was not the case for Katie.
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst?
Oddly Large
A cyst can interfere with someone’s life if it ruptures, shuts off the blood supply that goes to the ovaries, or is very large. The cyst that was in Katie’s stomach was extremely large!
Oddly Large
Exploring Her Options
A month after learning about the cyst, Katie went to a specialist who told her about her options. She could not forget the consultant’s face. He was totally shocked at her belly.
Exploring Her Options
Complete Shock
He calmly explained to Katie that there was a large ovarian mass inside of her, but his face showed the truth. The finding was absolutely shocking to him. The size of the cyst was totally unexpected and even the specialist did not see it coming.
Complete Shock
That’s Not All
The doctor explained that multiple cysts were a possibility and they might be attached to organs. Even though Katie couldn’t believe what she was hearing, she knew her only option at that point was surgery.
That’s Not All
The Effects
The other explanations may have been ruled out, but the cyst’s real effect on Katie’s body was still unclear. However, it was clear that she was experiencing side effects, which were not linked to being pregnant, of course.
The Effects
You’re Fine
The doctor wasn’t sure of the cyst’s exact size, but he decided something needed to be done. In addition, he couldn’t believe that other doctors had turned Katie away and just gave her a “you’re fine” response.
You’re Fine
One Thing For Certain
There was one thing Katie’s doctor was sure of – she would lose an ovary. Her hospitalization period may also be longer depending on the cyst’s location. Katie felt as though she was about to sign her life away.
One Thing For Certain
Support
Since her mom lives in Australia, Katie initially decided it was best her mom did not know about the whole situation. Katie did not want to worry her mom. However, the mystery was finally solved, so Katie felt she should tell her family.
Support
All Alone
Katie felt everything was too much to handle alone at this point. She called both her mother and her sisters to ask them to be with her. For the most of this medical situation, Katie was alone. However, this time, she felt that was enough.
All Alone
Ready To Go
In just two days, Katie’s mom arrived from Australia but unfortunately, her dad could not come. However, he was only a phone call away even with the time difference. Katie had the support that she needed. She was ready for the dreaded day.
Ready To Go
Going Under
Katie had been informed that her surgery was scheduled in 4 weeks. When the time finally came, she was ready for surgery. Her initial consultation was only a few weeks away from the surgery, but her stomach got bigger by five inches more.
Going Under
Emergency Surgery
A high-risk obstetrics consultant was referred for Katie. The doctor told her surgery was a must. In addition, he explained that she would be cut open like in a C-section. What comforting words!
Emergency Surgery
March 9th, 2017
Finally, the day of Katie’s surgery came. She was given socks and a surgery gown to put on. She was then taken by the nurse. Katie felt as if she was paralyzed. This was because she knew a giant needle would soon be stabbed into her.
March 9th, 2017
Extra Help
Katie was really difficult and uneasy. Two nurses had to actually hold her down because she kept moving. They needed to place a needle inside her. According to Katie, she felt as though she was dying.
And The Wait Continues
And The Wait Continues
The surgery was expected to be finished within an hour or so. However, it took the doctors five hours to complete the procedure! Although Katie’s family were patient as they waited for the surgery to finish, they really feared for her life. Thankfully, the doctors were successful in removing the cyst.
And The Wait Continues
Back To Normal
While the cyst was massive, its weight blew everybody away. The ginormous thing was finally out of Katie’s body and she was so excited to go back to her old and normal self!
Back To Normal
Minutes To Hours
Katie was extremely terrified, but she knew the surgery would allow her to have her old life back. Even though it was only supposed to take 90 minutes, the surgery lasted for hours. Katie’s family and friends anxiously waited for it to finish.
Minutes To Hours
How Big?
The weight of the cyst was 60 pounds! In case you have no idea how heavy that is, it is as heavy as 7 babies! When Katie woke up from surgery, she was surrounded by hospital staff, who showed her photos of the cyst which was inside her for such a long time.
How Big?
Treated Like A Celebrity
When Katie woke up from surgery, she was confused and overwhelmed. She explained, “I remember still being groggy from the anesthetic as they wheeled me back to the ward and excited hospital staff was shoving photos in front of me.”
Treated Like A Celebrity
After Surgery
The cyst was so heavy it accounted for roughly one-third of Katie’s total body weight. She realized how it affected her life. It stopped her from doing things she used do. It was definitely a burden on her life.
After Surgery
Losing The Cyst
After the excess weight was removed, Katie noticed that it had actually made easy tasks seem difficult, including walking upstairs or driving a car. When she lost the cyst, she basically came back to life.
Losing The Cyst
Nickname
Katie couldn’t believe she was carrying around a ton of weight! After she saw the pictures, she said, “It looked like a massive pile of ice cream so I called it Mr. Whippy!”
Nickname
Medical Mystery
The size of Katie’s cyst blew the doctors away. She was a real medical phenomenon! Both Katie and the medical staff were all in utter disbelief that the massive cyst was inside her for a long time.
Medical Mystery
Back Home
Katie was sent home four days after her surgery. Her mom and boyfriend gave her support. While Katie was dreading the process, the results made everything worthwhile. She cannot even recall what life was like not having an extra 60 pounds!
Back Home
Her Reminder
The surgery left Katie with a 30-centimeter scar extending from her sternum down to her pelvis. Soon after the procedure, she found it much easier to walk around. She was very much looking forward to start her life anew with all the changes. Katie’s right ovary needed to be removed, which is a disadvantage of the procedure, but the doctors told her this had no effect on her having children.
Her Reminder
Body Changes
Besides her scar, there are stretch marks on Katie’s belly. They are daily reminders of her experience. Nevertheless, Katie still prefers having the stretch marks than a 60-pound lump which is growing inside of her.
Body Changes
A New Katie
Soon after her surgery, Katie’s family came over to visit her. Her new appearance was shocking for them. She was really thin – half of what she used to be! Katie was very happy that she was back to her old self.
A New Woman
Smooth Sailing
According to Katie, her recovery has been smooth sailing in general, although there were some hiccups. Compared to the previous year, her health is much better, both physically and mentally.
Smooth Sailing
Saying Thanks
Katie has said that her family, friends, and colleagues truly helped her during her recovery. According to her, she wouldn’t have managed to do everything without them. She also said that she tells herself every day that she is very lucky to have their support.
Saying Thanks
Inspirational
A year ago, she wouldn’t have shared her story with others, but Katie has since become more comfortable in her own skin. Now, she continues to share her story and be an inspiration to many people!
Inspirational
There’s Hope
It was definitely a difficult experience and Katie is reminded of it by the scar and stretch marks on her belly. However, she has her life back and has received reassurance that she can still have kids without her right ovary. Katie Smith feels very thankful to her surgeon.
There’s Hope
Alexandra & Antonin
Even though Alexandra Kinova and Antonin Kroscen had planned to raise a family, they were not ready for what was coming for them. They figured they still had some time before they started their family, but then they found out that Alexandra was pregnant with twins. What’s more, one doctor’s visit unfortunately revealed something unexpected…
Alexandra & Antonin
Happy To Be Expecting
Hailing from the Czech Republic, Alexandra and Antonin were really excited when they discovered that they were expecting. While this is not unusual for a couple, they were not ready for what was about to happen.
Happy To Be Expecting
Ready For Parenthood
Alexandra was only 23, but she wasn’t afraid of what the future was going to bring. She already had a child, so she was aware of what to expect moving forward. She had no idea that she was totally unprepared for what life would be throwing at her.
Ready For Parenthood
She Thought It Was Under Control
Since she had done it before, she figured that her second pregnancy would be easier. Unfortunately, she realized nothing could be further from the truth after her visit to the doctor. Just what exactly did they tell Alexandra?
She Thought It Was Under Control
More Than She Thought
She was prepared to be pregnant with one child, but she soon learned she was expecting twins. While having twins was not really such an unusual concept, this birth alone was going to be legendary. No one knew at the time, though.
More Than She Thought
Completely Unaware
There were endless possibilities. Was she carrying Antonin’s child or someone else’s? It could be anything, but the ultrasound would at least help her understand in what was going on.
Completely Unaware
A Follow-Up
Alexandra’s first ultrasound was like any other and she simply saw she was pregnant. It pleased the doctors to see that she was healthy. They had no impression that the second ultrasound would show something unsettling.
A Follow Up
Even The Doctors Didn’t Know
Alexandra visited the doctor again and this time, she found out something new. Within several weeks, the doctors found a heartbeat. However, there was more than one. The couple had not planned for this.
Even The Doctors Didn’t Know
Double The Fun
After having her ultrasound, Alexandra learned that she was pregnant with twins. The couple was completely shocked. They already had one child and now they were going to be parents of three. The couple had no idea what was coming.
Double The Fun
The Preparations
In the next few months, the couple planned and prepared for their twins. They bought baby clothes and furniture so that their babies would be comfortable. They thought that they were doing things right, but they were totally unaware of what was going to happen.
The Preparations
Unaware Of The Truth
It seemed everything was going as planned in between Alexandra’s check-ups. She expected nothing out of the ordinary. She may be having twins, but this was not unheard of. Other mothers also experienced this.
Unaware Of The Truth
Something’s Not Right
However, as she was getting further along in her pregnancy, she could sense something was not right. While waiting anxiously for her next doctor’s appointment, Alexandra told herself she would be okay.
Something’s Not Right
Finally The Truth
When the time came for her appointment, the doctors looked at her and her records and were a little confused. Something about her seemed slightly off, so they decided to have a second ultrasound done. They thought this would help them figure out what was going on.
Finally The Truth
Her Husband Was Completely Lost
Through everything, her partner Antonin was with her. He was always present at doctor’s appointments. However, he never could have predicted what they would find in the ultrasound or his new responsibilities.
Her Husband Was Completely Lost
Staying Positive
Alexandra’s husband and doctor were growing more concerned about her. In spite of this, she remained calm and collected. She had been looking after herself well ever since she learned she was pregnant. She never missed taking her vitamins. She had no doubts her babies would be healthy, but she began to think the opposite because of her doctor.
Staying Positive
The Doctor’s Would Say Differently
For her doctor’s visit, Alexandra was brought to the hospital. She listened as the doctors spoke in hushed tones about her pregnancy. She was standing right there but they did not notice her. She did not understand the secrecy.
The Doctor’s Would Say Differently
Concerned For Her Newborns
As she looked at her doctors’ faces, she started to feel anxious. Even though she was trying hard to stay positive, the moment that she stepped inside the doctor’s office, she knew it would be really difficult to do. After her check-up, she would finally see why her doctor was getting more concerned about her.
Concerned For Her Newborns
The Opposite Of What They Thought
It was normal for a pregnant woman to go for an ultrasound but the doctors were really concerned about how much her belly had grown in a short period of time. Finally, the doctors told the couple the news. Alexandra and Antonin could not believe what they were hearing.
The Opposite Of What They Thought
Expecting The Worst
The doctors revealed to the couple that Alexandra was not carrying twins. Right away, she assumed one of the babies had passed away. Sometimes, it happens where one twin “absorbs” the other. However, her situation was something else.
Expecting The Worst
Looking For The Answers
Now that she knew she was not carrying twins, she was wondering what she was actually carrying. She was beginning to think she was not pregnant. Perhaps she had a strange tumor which could not stop growing. What they discovered had not been seen in more than 500 years.
Looking For The Answers
Fearing For Her Future
Alexandra was not sure what was going on exactly. She was becoming more and more concerned about her health even though she knew she was eating correctly and doing things exactly like she was supposed to. She was really upset thinking about the possibility of losing her babies.
Fearing For Her Future
The Doctors Couldn’t Believe It
One look was all it took for the doctors to see that Alexandra’s pregnancy was not the norm for someone expecting twins. Her belly was growing bigger at an unusual speed. Even for a woman pregnant with triplets, the rate was too fast. While the ultrasound provided some help, they still did not have all the answers that they were hoping for.
The Doctors Couldn’t Believe It
Just More Questions
The ultrasound did not really reveal everything that was going on. Although it was clear that Alexandra was not simply expecting twins, they were still not totally sure just how many babies she was going to give birth to. We bet this fact was quite unsettling for Alexandra.
Just More Questions
Not Twins
When the doctors told the couple the news that they were not having twins, she felt her heart sink to her stomach. If you are expecting twins, it is the worst news that you could hear. It makes the mother feel as if they are not carrying a child anymore. The truth, however, was totally the opposite.
Not Twins
No Official Number
The doctors told her she was not pregnant with twins or triplets. This was confusing for Alexandra, especially because she had not undergone any kind of fertility treatment. She thought that having multiple births was unlikely. At this point, it seemed as if anything was possible.
No Official Number
The Party Is Coming
After confirming amongst themselves, the doctors confirmed with Alexandra that she was pregnant with quadruplets. This baffled her, especially since the news that she was having twins had already surprised her! Now, the couple were about to become parents to 5 children! Finally, though, the surprises were over. At least, that’s what the pair thought.
The Party Is Coming
More To Come
After learning of the news, the couple went back to the store so that they could buy more things for their new babies. They now had everything that they needed for four babies, or so they thought. When they went for another checkup and had an ultrasound, it revealed something else 6entirely.
More To Come
Another One Joins The Party
Just as Alexandra and Antonin were becoming used to the idea of expecting four babies, they saw something else in the ultrasound. They were not having two babies or four. Instead, they were going to welcome five babies in the world!
Another One Joins The Party
One Was Hiding
Because of the other fetuses in Alexandra’s belly, the doctors did not immediately see the fifth baby. The babies were also moving around, making it difficult to have a clear picture. All of a sudden, they noticed another thing in the scan… Could it be that there was another baby?
One Was Hiding
Gender Reveal
She was not expecting six babies, but now that Alexandra was prepared for it, she wanted to know whether they would be girls or boys. She needed to know so she could prepare outfits and colors. However, the doctors could not answer her question just yet.
Gender Reveal
The Big Day
Alexandra had no choice but to wait for the day when she would be able to find out her babies’ genders. She went into labor and there were actually 40 people in the waiting room waiting for her and her quintuplets. Clearly, a lot could go wrong since so many babies were involved but her life was probably threatened as well.
The Big Day
Calling For Help
The doctors on call and hospital staff were not used to having so many births at one time. They needed all the help that they could get. They even asked someone to come in and capture everything on film. There was hardly room for Alexandra’s own husband or family!
Calling For Help
All Hands On Deck
Two nurses looked after each baby as soon as they were delivered. The little ones’ vitals had to be checked to make sure everything was going smoothly. After all, so many births were happening at once. To monitor the babies, all the nurses were called in.
All Hands On Deck
Safety Comes First
Alexandra had to have a C-section given her situation. She was told that it was the most responsible and secure way to make sure that the babies were delivered as safe as possible, without any problems.
Safety Comes First
The Little One
While all the babies required attention, the littlest one needed some extra support. Alexandra and her babies spent a few days in the hospital. They were then taken home, ready to begin a new life together with the rest of the family.
The Little One
A Family Of Five
The births all went smoothly. They now were a big and happy family of five. However, the question now is how many boys and girls did the couple end up having? To be honest, what we really care about is that the babies all came out safely.
A Family Of Five
Mommies Move-In
With 5 new babies, their house was going to get a little fuller since Alexandra’s mother and her husband’s mother were also staying with them. The mothers came to help the couple bring the babies home. The women also moved in to provide further assistance. However, that is not all they did. They asked for assistance from the government as well since the babies became national news.
Mommies Move In
Record-Breaking News
With their family of eight, Alexandra and Antonin were really happy. They had four boys, whom they named Michael, Deniel, Martin, and Alex. The fifth of the quintuplets is the only girl, whom they named Terezka. It turns out that she broke a record.
Record Breaking News
Special Babies
An obstetrician who was in the room, Alena Makarova, did some research following the birth. She found out that this birth was part of history. Obviously, giving birth to five babies is a big deal, but at the time, it was not clear yet what made them so special.
Special Babies
Rare Kind
In an interview with the Telegraph, the obstetrician explained that she had all the records and there had been no mention of quintuplets born in the country since 1949. Essentially, Alexandra Kinova was the first to give birth to quintuplets in the entire area.
Rare Kind
Quadruplets Are Just As Rare
It has been discovered that quintuplets are born in the Czech Republic only once every 480 years. The chances of having quadruplets there are only one in seven million. They then decided to look at statistics around the world.
Quadruplets Are Just As Rare
Vitro Fertilization
It is usually rare to give birth to quintuplets and fertility treatments like In Virto Fertilization is usually involved. However, Alexandra’s babies were conceived naturally, so the answer is likely found in her genes.
Vitro Fertilization
Family Connection
Alexandra and Antonin both explained there are twins in their families. Since twins run in both their families, it should not come as a complete surprise that they had quintuplets. Can you imagine what it must be like to take care of five babies?
Family Connection
Several Connections
Their family received a lot of donations and help for their large family. In addition to financial support, their family and friends were also willing to help the couple wherever they could.
Several Connections
Financial Support
When people started hearing about the quintuplets’ birth, people from all over the world wanted to lend a hand in any way they could, including giving donations. This kind of news is quite rare and everybody wanted to help raise money in any way they could.
Financial Support
Help From The Government
Unfortunately, outside donations could not be accessed by the family because the government said it would provide the family with assistance. Although a nanny was sent to the family, over time they would realize that this was not enough for 6 children.
Help From The Government
Access Denied
Since the system had not experienced a situation like Alexandra and her family in the past, they denied providing the family with extra government assistance. “Simply put, our system is not prepared for such multiple instances of ‘good luck,’” the announcement of the Czech Social Affairs Ministry said.
Access Denied
Strong Family
The family may have gone through a lot of obstacles, but they are still very happy to be raising their kids. They are really excited to celebrate each birthday as well as all other celebrations their family of eight will share together.
Strong Family
Too Much For Her
It was definitely hard looking after five babies, but Alexandra and her husband have proven that you can achieve anything that you put your mind into. Given the condition that they were born in to, the babies’ chance of growing up healthy was at 95%. Every day, they live the risk.
Too Much For Her
Milestones
Five years later, Alexandra is still as loving and energetic as she was when her quintuplets were born. She is motivated by the fact that her situation is really uncommon. The chances of conceiving quintuplets are one in 48 million pregnancies. Around the world, there around 800 quintuplets, with 130 of them conceived randomly.
Milestones
Big Happy Family
It has been years since Alexandra found out that she was pregnant with quintuplets. She did not foresee a life full of love and happiness. What she knows for sure is the fact that she does not plan to have more children even though she loves her children very much.
Big Happy Family