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A lot of people say having kids is one of the best things that could ever happen to someone. Children bring families so much love and life with their innocence and playfulness. Most parents think it’s ideal to have a son and a daughter. This couple has been trying to have a baby girl for many years, and at last, they got pregnant with one. Little did they know that they were in for a surprise.
The Parents Of Two Boys Wish For A Girl But Got Something So Much Better
The Big Day
The married California couple, Katie and Angelo had two incredible boys. Having a baby can be such an exciting thing for couples. Normally, parents feel a sense of excitement along with some nerves as the moment their baby will be born comes near. At the Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, two days had been all about prepping for a new baby for a specific family.
The Big Day
Reason To Celebrate
Once Katie and Angelo discovered they were pregnant, they were extremely excited to have a new addition to their growing family. The parents were so happy to learn they would finally be having a girl since they always dreamed of having one. When the doctors gave them the news, Katie and Angelo were already ecstatic.
Reason To Celebrate
Two Boys
Katie and Angelo had been married for a while by then, and they decided it was a good time to grow their family. The two followed through on their decision by having two boys. The parents knew that having two healthy sons was a huge blessing, but all the same, Katie and Angelo felt like their family was still missing something deep down.
Two Boys
Another One
The couple still wanted more kids since they felt like they would be able to handle having more children. Katie and Angelo were rather effortless as parents. They were capable of properly taking care of their two sons, and they thought, the more the merrier!
Another One
Wanting More
The parents were confident they’d be able to handle more than what they had. So, when they found out Katie was pregnant again, they were delighted. The news sounded like music to their ears. They were so happy to have the opportunity to grow their family.
Wanting More
Surprising Discovery
When Katie and Angelo found out Katie was pregnant, they went straight for a check-up at the doctor, wasting no time. When it came to Katie and the baby’s health, they didn’t want to take any chances. There were so many ways this would have been able to go poorly, so it was important to them to make sure they were all healthy and well.
Surprising Discovery
Early Weeks
Throughout the early weeks of the pregnancy, it was confirmed by the doctors that the progress Katie was making was healthy. However, one day, after Katie had gone for a routine check-up, the doctors had another thing to say. This was the moment that would change the couple’s lives forever.
Early Weeks
Specialist Needed
When the couple went to see the doctor that day, they expected everything to go just as smoothly as it had been in the past. Well, their doctor, Sean Daneshmand, told them Katie had to go to a specialist, which alarmed the couple. This is definitely not what a couple wants to hear when they go see a doctor.
Specialist Needed
Keeping Calm
They had so many questions they wanted to ask. Was there something wrong? Why did Katie need to see a specialist? While they tried their best not to worry, the couple couldn’t help but feel alarmed and somewhat anxious. At this point, the parents had little control over the situation.
Keeping Calm
Precautions
Katie and Angelo got pretty nervous since they were scared they were going to get bad news. However, when they asked the doctor for the reason they had to see a specialist, he gave them a simple answer. This was the answer they didn’t see coming.
Precautions
In The Hospital
Since a pregnant woman had to be taken care of very well and protected, their doctor didn’t want to take any risks when it came to Katie’s health. He mentioned that he spoke to her and said, “Katie, we belong in the hospital now.” The couple didn’t hesitate to follow the doctor’s orders. They made their way to the hospital to keep both Katie and the baby safe.
In The Hospital
Continuous Care
The doctors explained to the couple that the main reason Katie needed the extra attention was that her pregnancy was considered to be a high-risk one. High-risk pregnancies are capable of harming the baby and the mother as well, so they had to be carefully monitored.
Continuous Care
More Precautions
This meant that Katie would possibly develop complications that could affect not just her own health but her baby’s health as well. The doctors told her that she would need care during all hours of the day to make sure she was fine. This isn’t what a mother wants to hear when she’s very pregnant.
More Precautions
Not Just One
If you don’t understand why all of a sudden the doctors were being all fussy about Katie’s pregnancy, then know that there’s a good explanation for it all. This was because she wasn’t just expecting one baby. She was expecting more.
Not Just One
The More The Merrier
Katie wasn’t pregnant with one baby. She was pregnant with three. Three babies! Just imagine having to carry three babies all at once. It was definitely the right decision for the doctors to instruct Katie to be at the hospital and get more care. Not only was it all overwhelming, but the situation was dangerous.
The More The Merrier
Happy
This pregnancy was rather unique for Katie. As you might have already guessed, after finding out they were having triplets, Katie and Angelo couldn’t be happier. Since the family wanted to grow their family, it wasn’t bad news to find out they would be having three more kids.
Happy
A Concern
Despite all the excitement, there was an issue with Katie’s pregnancy. Two of the babies in her womb were sharing only one placenta. This situation is very rare and complicated, so doctors had to keep a close eye on her and the babies.
A Concern
Worry About Size
The fact that two of the babies were sharing one placenta wasn’t the biggest problem, but it did have its disadvantages for the babies. One baby’s size was going to be hampered, meaning it wouldn’t get to be the same size as the other two babies. Still, there were plenty of other possible complications that were listed. This problem paled in comparison to them.
Worry About Size
Potential Complications
During her pregnancy, the problems that came up were pretty serious. One of them was the high probability that the babies would be born prematurely. This is rather common with twins too, but with triplets, it’s a much higher risk.
Potential Complications
The Possibilities
Aside from that, it was a possibility that the triplets would have underdeveloped lungs or suffer from brain bleeds. Not to mention, some problems could follow the babies even after they’re born. This is why they had to be extremely careful. This was a very stressful time for the couple who had to remain composed and keep in mind that health was their top priority.
The Possibilities
Stress Isn’t Healthy
The health of their three unborn babies was at stake. The doctor was absolutely right about Katie needing a specialist to care for her during her pregnancy. However, this revelation made her pregnancy one of the most stressful periods of their lives. Since it’s not healthy for pregnant women to be too stressed, the medical team whatever they could to ease Katie’s anxiety.
Stress Isn’t Healthy
Hospital Admission
As time went by, Katie was in her 27th week of the pregnancy. Her stomach was getting very big by then, so she had to be admitted to a hospital to make sure she was having a healthy pregnancy. She needed to be far from her family, but she had no other choice. Still, she pushed on a did the one thing she was able to do – focus on the babies she was carrying.
Hospital Admission
Different Possibilities
As the pregnancy progressed, Katie found out things from her doctors, leading her to feel very stressed at times. Even though she knew she had to stay as calm as possible, she found it very difficult sometimes.
Different Possibilities
Anything Might Happen
“Anything could happen between now and my due date,” Katie said. Carrying just one baby is hard enough, so just imagine what it would be like to be pregnant with three! The ultrasounds that she got kept showing steady growth for the babies, which did calm her somewhat.
Anything Might Happen
Unfortunate Loss
Katie was getting more and more nervous as she thought about what she had in store in the future with her three babies. “We hear a lot of stories,” she said during an interview. She said it was hard for her and Angelo not to hear the terrible stories said in the hospital.
Unfortunate Loss
Horror Stories
She tried not letting it get to her, but Katie was disturbed by the things she’d heard regarding complications and failed pregnancies. She couldn’t help that her nerves were getting to her. This wasn’t what needed to happen, and the doctors didn’t want her to feel even more stressed since that could mean trouble.
Horror Stories
How Many Babies?
Katie had a bad feeling that she might not get to welcome all three babies she was meant to give birth to. She said, “You know of triplets that don’t make it. Especially the identical twins. The body absorbs one of them.” Stories like that stressed her out, keeping her up at night. Naturally, this only made matters worse.
How Many Babies
Fearful Mother
Were these just nerves or were they foreshadowing? Was Katie sensing the outcome of her pregnancy or would she have a different fate leading her to be one of the lucky mothers with successful pregnancies? All she was able to do at that point was to think positive thoughts and hope she would be one of the lucky ones.
Fearful Mother
Needing Empathy
In terms of moms like Katie, Sharp Memorial Hospital Perinatal Special Care Unit’s Angela Watson went on to explain that the most important tool in these kinds of cases was empathy. In her many years working at the hospital, she’s seen that expectant mothers who were confronted by complications just needed others to give them some motivation and help them stay positive.
Needing Empathy
Someone There
Anglea explained further, saying that the kind of approach she uses when she takes care of expectant mothers at the hospital is, “They’re taken away from everything that’s normal. So by telling them, you know, ‘I understand this is really hard for you,’ that’s huge for patients.” She wants everyone to be aware of the fact that pregnant women just need someone to listen to them and have a shoulder for them to cry on.
Someone There
Not The First
While Katie’s pregnancy was a special one, it was definitely not the first. Plenty of women before her have been pregnant and given birth to three babies at once. These women all gave birth to triplets, with a specific medical team that specialized in those cases. The babies were referred to as A, B, and C. Angelo and Katie could only hope the babies would come out healthy.
Not The First
Concerns For One Baby
As time went by, the couple discovered that Baby B wasn’t getting enough fluids. It’s needless to say that the baby was affected by this situation. It ended up being somewhat smaller than the other two.
Concerns For One Baby
Waiting And Hoping
The only thing Katie and Angelo were able to do was wait and see what the outcome would be for Baby B. The couple desperately hoped and prayed that they’d be welcoming all three babies when the time came. This was the most difficult time for them. All they could do was wait.
Waiting And Hoping
32nd Week
The doctors were minimizing the risks as best as they could, so they watched Katie very carefully. Until her 32nd week of pregnancy, they kept a close watch on her. They wanted to see all three of those babies just as much as everyone in their family. The doctors became so involved with Katie’s pregnancy that they felt like they had to do everything they could to help. So what would happen to the babies?
32nd Week
Planned
After the doctors did everything within their power to keep Katie’s pregnancy healthy, she went into labor just one day after her 32nd week began. Everyone sighed in relief. This was the time that made the most sense for her to go into labor and put the babies in as little risk as possible.
Planned
Going Into Labor
This meant that Katie carried the babies successfully without any more complications. Everyone was so happy to find out that things were turning out just as planned. So, she went into labor, but how would the delivery itself go?
Going Into Labor
Different Approach
Despite the fact that oftentimes, it’s suggested that childbirth should be done in a natural way, Katie’s situation required a different approach. Since the doctors wanted to keep the delivery under control, they had her go through a cesarean section.
Different Approach
Ready
Seeing as the waiting period for the babies was long and very complicated, Katie couldn’t help but look forward to giving birth. She wanted to hold all her little girls in her arms and know they are safe and healthy.
Ready
Confession Of A Mother
“As soon as I see them I just want to touch them or give them a kiss…to make sure they’re okay,” Katie confessed. Who can blame her? Katie was away from her husband and sons while she stayed in the hospital to make sure hers and the babies’ health weren’t compromised. It was definitely an adventure.
Confession Of A Mother
The Birth
Katie and Angelo had a rollercoaster throughout the pregnancy. They were both so happy to find out about her pregnancy but soon were devastated when they learned about the possible complications. In the end, however, Katie’s delivery was a success. All three newborns were transferred to an individual team for advanced life support.
The Birth
Important Check
The minute each baby was delivered, the doctor carefully examined them to make sure the newborns weren’t showing signs of any health problems. The doctors went on to help the babies with their breathing and make sure they were stabilized.
Important Check
Initial Check
When everything necessary was done, the triplets were taken to the intensive care unit for neonates. Katie was now able to recover too, and the babies were being taken care of and watched by the hospital team.
Initial Check
More Effort
While treating the babies, the doctors were careful not to make any mistakes. They revealed that they had to put a little more effort into opening the babies’ lungs and that it was difficult to do. As the doctors did this, Katie and Angelo were completely helpless. They had tears in their eyes as they watched from the other side of the room.
More Effort
Stable Condition
As the doctors were doing whatever they could to help the triplets and ensure their health, Angelo and Katie were praying. As it turns out, their prayers were answered. All three babies were okay and turned out fine.
Stable Condition
Thank You
Thanks to the doctors and all the effort they put in, the three little girls – Trish, Danielle, and Rebecca – were stable. They were then ready to be taken to intensive care. This was where babies were reunited with their parents and could spend their time together.
Thank You
Not Out Of Danger
Despite the fact that everyone was relieved to find out that all three of the babies were stable, there were still other things to be checked. We still have to remember these babies are small and are predisposed to other complications,” their doctor explained. Since the babies were born together, each one needed to be handled carefully and the doctors had to keep a close eye on them.
Not Out Of Danger
Successful Outcome
“And, again, long-term issues. But, so far, we’re excited that everything has turned out very well,” Dr. Daneshmand said in an interview. Katie and Angelo were finally able to breathe a little easier. Their biggest fear was for the babies not being born healthy, and that didn’t come true, thankfully. The couple and doctors had worked together and had a successful outcome, so there was most definitely a reason to celebrate.
Successful Outcome
The First Time
Once Katie had some rest, she was prepared to meet her newborn babies. Angelo helped her by wheeling up her neonatal unit, where the babies were kept under monitoring. This was to make sure nothing else would go wrong.
The First Time
At Last
After a pregnancy that was difficult and filled with anxiety, the parents would be able to finally see their new babies. They finally had the chance to see the babies and interact with their little girls who they’ve waited for.
At Last
The Wait Is Over
Katie wished for a daughter for so long, so she felt so accomplished to finally have her little girls. Just like she said before the delivery, she carried one baby in her arms and brought her near her chest as she whispered: “It feels so right.” Since Katie had to wait so long, the moment was very emotional for her. She had tears falling down her face as she held her baby.
The Wait Is Over
The Challenges
Pregnancy is by no means an easy experience. A woman needs to be incredibly strong, both physically and mentally in order to successfully give birth. Plenty of things can go wrong, but this was a case where everything turned out alright.
The Challenges
Sharing Her Experience
Pregnancy can be a very draining thing psychologically and physically. Katie endured all the hardships during her pregnancy and finally was free of them. Later, she spoke about the things that went through her mind once it was all done.
Sharing Her Experience
Already Attached
“I was only a few hours apart from them, but I really missed them,” she said later one during an interview. She spoke about how attached she had already become to her babies and said seeing them again made her so happy. “…it feels good to be reunited,” she said.
Already Attached
Special Moment
Katie wasn’t the only one drained by the experience. Even though Angelo was ecstatic to hear that he and Katie would have triplets, he was still stressed out about the complications his wife went through. However, as soon as he met his baby daughter, Trisha, and saw her open her eyes, he felt like that moment was as special as it gets.
Special Moment
Felt Great
Angelo was so happy to have his new daughter in his arms. He felt like he was in a dream – like none of it was real. As her father, the two had an immediate bond from the first time he held his daughter.
Felt Great
Dad’s Reaction
“Beautiful,” he said, “Beautiful feeling.” Finally, Angelo would be able to relax and enjoy taking on his new role of being the father of three baby girls. There’s something so special about the bond between a little girl and her father.
Dad’s Reaction
Team Effort
Everything would have been impossible if the hospital’s entire midwife team wouldn’t have put in the work and effort that they did. The Sharp Memorial Hospital team deserves all the credit for the successful birth. The situation could have easily ended in a completely different way. This story is not the only of its kind just wait until you hear what happened to the young Katie Smith. Doctors were absolutely puzzled in her case…
Team Effort
Meet Katie Smith, your average mid-twenty-year-old girl. Well, if you consider this situation average. When Ms. Smith was just 24 years old something starting unbelievable began growing inside of her and doctors couldn’t figure out what it was.
Her Pregnancy Revealed Something Out Of The Ordinary
The Beginning
Katie’s stomach expanded so large and so fast that she seemed pregnant! The weird part, she wasn’t pregnant at all. Every pregnancy test that she took said negative but her doctors continued to dismiss her overwhelming concerns.
The Beginning
Her Story
Smith is 28 years old and from Swansea in Wales. Back in 2014, she began gaining weight, and within just a few years she resembled someone nine months pregnant. She told BBC that she never was super skinny, but gradually she developed a belly like this
Her Story
Healthy Lifestyle
Katie lived a healthy life and was very conscious of keeping her figure. She loved her curves and spent a lot of time at the gym. This is why her progressive weight gain was so infuriating. Unfortunately, the mystery was left unsolved.
Say Hi To Katie
Not As It Seems
At this time Katie thought her biggest problem was whether she would be able to go to work Christmas party because she felt insecure in her outfit. At this time, Katie felt she was not thin enough.
Not As It Seems
Too Fast To Keep Up With
Katie tried everything but her stomach wouldn’t stop growing. As she said ” “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.
Too Fast To Keep Up With
What Was Going On?
It crept up so slowly [that] I didn’t know anything was wrong – I thought I was putting on timber.” Regardless of how much she worked out or maintained a strict diet, she was still gaining an enormous amount of weight.
What Was Going On?
Not Just Growing
At this point, she couldn’t ignore her excessive weight gain. She began to notice that all the weight she was gaining was going directly to her stomach, and it felt different too. How would she proceed?
Not Just Growing
Staying Hopeful
Her stomach started to feel hard and uncomfortable to touch. However, she stayed positive and was hopeful that this would go away with time…. but some things don’t always work out the way we want.
Staying Hopeful
There’s Only One Explanation
Her dress size was increasing at rapid speed and she was now a size eight. But still, she was too afraid to see a doctor. She grew up with her father as a doctor and this made her a bit apprehensive.
There’s Only One Explanation
Her Gut Feeling
Little did she know that bigger concerns were approaching. At this point, Katie could only think of one explanation. She wasn’t sure she wanted to believe it, however. What was she thinking it was?
Her Gut Feeling
With Child
When considering all the components Katie decided there was only one possible reasoning for this, and that was pregnancy. Her belly was growing and she was gaining weight, she was always exhausted, and had a serious boyfriend.
With Child
Unplanned Pregnancy
When looking at all the factors, all things pointed to a bun in the oven! This possibility made Katie and her boyfriend nervous. If she was pregnant, then it was surely unplanned. However, given her situation, this was a possibility.
Unplanned Pregnancy
Soon To Be Parents
Katie and her boyfriend Jamie Gibbons had been together for 10 years already and they did consider the possibility that she was pregnant. Although they weren’t ready for it, they knew they had to at least check.
Soon To Be Parents
The Blue Stripe
When the couple saw that the pregnancy test was negative, they were both surprised. They figured the test was incorrect, so she immediately took a second one. But it only showed the same result once again!
The Blue Strip
Getting Really Worried
They were surprised and decided it was time to see a doctor. What exactly was going on here? Was she sick? Did she have a miscarriage? A million dreaded things were popping into her head and really scaring her.
Getting Really Worried
Facing Her Fears
Katie had no options left and it was time to finally see a doctor. Unfortunately, she did not receive the answer she was expecting or hoping for. The doctor simply told her that she was “merely fat.” At this point, she saw no way out.
Facing Her Fears
Following Her Instincts
Although the doctors dismissed her worries, Katie felt something was wrong. She ignored it though because it didn’t impact her daily routine. Still, she couldn’t understand what was going on.
Following Her Instincts
Not Trustworthy
She couldn’t stop wondering why she wasn’t pregnant. It seemed she was pregnant, so what was the deal? She didn’t fully trust the doctors and their thoughts. But, they were professionals so she should trust them, right?
Not Trustworthy
No Solution
If she were pregnant, at least the problem would disappear once she gave birth. Unfortunately, her stomach continued growing for a full two years. Every month it just kept getting larger and larger until something awful happened at work.
No Solution
She Didn’t Feel Well
It was just a normal day on the job when all of a sudden Katie felt light-headed and nauseous. That’s when she collapsed. She was told by her coworkers that she had fainted.
She Didn’t Feel Well
A Difficult Period
After this, Katie realized she needed to see a doctor right away. She said “It was a tough period in work and when I passed out my GP put it down to stress.” She had no other explanation and just had to continue her life like she was living it before.
A Difficult Period
All From Stress?
Is it possible to pass out simply from being too stressed out? Katie wasn’t too convinced. But her doctor tried to reassure her that nothing major was going on, and that she definitely wasn’t pregnant.
All From Stress?
Not What It Appears
It was impossible to avoid unwanted questions regarding her “pregnancy.” People noticed her growing belly and there was no trying to ignore it. She had to explain herself repeatedly.
No End In Sight
Katie always answered with the same response day in and day out, ” The doctors say I am just overweight.” Although she was annoyed with the situation, she also saw no end approaching.
No End In Sight
Due Date
She said people were always asking her when the baby was due, and after a while, she began to lie to spare them the embarrassment. So instead she just told them she is overweight, because this is what she believed.
Due Date
Changing Appearance
Katie was waddling around with a giant belly and she started to feel embarrassed about her appearance. She even started to shop in the maternity section because nothing fit her.
Changing Appearance
Maternity Clothes
“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
Katie was stubborn about getting help. Only after several blackouts at work, difficulties breathing, and excessive weight gain that interfered with her life, did she seek assistance.
Needs Help
Seeking Assistance
And this still wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for her coworkers who insisted she get checked out. Many people wonder why Katie didn’t take care of herself more. Something was clearly off, so why was it taking her so long to seek help?
Seeking Assistance
A New Explanation
Katie was going about her life trying to avoid her situation. But enough was enough when she passed out four times! This time the doctor reasoned her exhaustion by blaming her acne medication but she refused to accept this response.
A New Explanation
Time To Stand Up
It seemed like the doctors weren’t taking her symptoms or situation seriously. They continued to blame other causes and things going on in Katie’s life. She decided it was finally time to put her foot down.
Time To Stand Up
Enough Was Enough
She had stopped taking it for several months before and insisted there had to be another explanation. She consulted a second doctor who also said she had to be pregnant. He did numerous blood tests that all came back with no results.
Enough Was Enough
Getting To The Bottom Of It
Her GP concluded that the only explanation was pregnancy, regardless of the blood test results and no further examination. So, he ordered a second ultrasound. At this point even walking was a difficult task for Katie and she was having difficulty breathing.
Getting To The Bottom Of It
The Truth At Last
The doctor who saw her requested that they immediately check if she was pregnant. Was she finally going to get to the bottom of this? Well, it certainly opened an entirely new can of worms that she was not expecting.
The Truth At Last
Terrified
Katie watched the doctor as she did the ultrasound. When she saw her expression it was clear something was wrong. Her eyes were enlarged and she had a look of fear come over her.
Terrified
Consoling Katie
The doctor requested a consultant and Katie became paralyzed. Her boyfriend Jamie tried to console her but there was no stopping the panic she felt at that moment. What was really going on inside of her stomach?
Consoling Katie
Not Pregnant
The ultrasound screen was blank, and it was clear that Katie was not pregnant. However, there was something still going on inside her stomach. All they knew for sure was that her life was in danger.
Not Pregnant
Surprising News
The possibilities were endless, regardless they needed a CT to find out. Katie was understandably scared and extremely worried for what was to come. Her mind went to a number of possibilities.
Surprising News
Emergency CT
The blank ultrasound led to an immediate request for a CT scan that revealed astonishing news. The doctors prepared Katie for what they were about to tell her. Katie and her boyfriend sat hand in hand waiting for the big news.
Emergency CT
Definitely Not Pregnant
Katie definitely wasn’t pregnant. The reason for her large belly was actually the result of a huge ovarian mass. At this point, Katie’s whole world came crashing down, as the doctor could not confirm exactly what he was dealing with.
Definitely Not Pregnant
To The Skin
It wasn’t your average cyst and was 24 centimeters thick and attached to her stomach. This finally explained her gaining weight, but her life remained in danger. Measures had to be taken immediately.
To The Skin
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst?
Essentially a cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop on a woman’s ovary. They are extremely common and usually don’t cause harm, and most often disappear on their own. But, not for Katie.
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst?
Oddly Large
The only situations where a cyst can interfere with a person’s life is when it ruptures, blocks the blood supply to the ovaries, or in this case, is very large. Katie’s was really large, no…extremely large!
Oddly Large
Exploring Her Options
One month later, Katie was speaking to a specialist who went over the options available for her. The image of the consultant’s face is still ingrained in her brain. He was in utter shock at her belly.
Exploring Her Options
Complete Shock
Although he calmly explained to her that she had a large ovarian mass, his face revealed the truth. He was completely shocked. No one could have expected the size of the cyst, even the specialist.
Complete Shock
That’s Not All
The doctor said it was possible that there were multiple cysts, and that they could be attached to organs. Katie couldn’t believe it, and yet, she knew that at this point the only option was surgery.
That’s Not All
The Effects
Although they had ruled out the other explanations, they still were unclear the effect the cyst had on her body. She definitely had side effects, and of course, they had nothing to do with being pregnant.
The Effects
You’re Fine
Although the doctor was unsure of what/how big the cyst was, he decided that there was something that had to be done. He couldn’t believe all of Katie’s other doctors had turned her away with a “you’re fine” response.
You’re Fine
One Thing For Certain
One thing her doctor was certain of was that she would lose one ovary. In addition, depending on the location of the cyst, she may be hospitalized for longer. Katie felt like she was signing her life away.
One Thing For Certain
Support
Katie’s mother lives in Australia so she decided not to tell her about this whole situation, not to worry her. But since the mystery was finally solved, she felt it was time to let the family know.
Support
All Alone
At this point, it was too much for her to go through this alone so she called her mom and her sisters to be by her side. Katie had battled alone for the majority of this medical situation, but she felt it was enough.
All Alone
Ready To Go
Within two days her mother arrived, but unfortunately, her dad had to stay back in Australia. Even with the time difference, he was always just a phone call away. She had all the support she needed and was ready for the dreadful day.
Ready To Go
Going Under
The doctor informed Katie that in 4 weeks’ time she would be set for surgery. The time finally arrived and Katie was ready for surgery. In the short time between her initial consultation and surgery, her stomach grew another five inches.
Going Under
Emergency Surgery
The high-risk obstetrics consultant she was referred to said surgery was a must and that he was going to cut her open from her chest bone down to her pelvic bone, like an old fashion C-section. Those were some comforting words!
Emergency Surgery
March 9th, 2017
The day finally came in a blink of an eye. Katie was handed a surgery gown and a pair of socks. She put them on and was taken by the nurse. Her body was paralyzed knowing that at any minute a giant needle would be stabbed into her body.
March 9th, 2017
Extra Help
Katie was so uneasy and difficult that she needed to be held down by two nurses. She wouldn’t stop moving and they needed to put the needle inside her. She says she really felt like she was dying.
And The Wait Continues
And The Wait Continues
The doctors expected the surgery would only take an hour or so. But it took five! Her family patiently awaited the end, fearing for Katie’s life. However, the doctors managed to remove the cyst.
And The Wait Continues
Back To Normal
The cyst was enormous, but the weight blew everyone away. Finally, this ginormous thing was removed from Katie’s body. She couldn’t wait to be back to her normal self again!
Back To Normal
Minutes To Hours
She was extremely terrified but knew this was the way to get back to her old life. The surgery was supposed to last 90 minutes, but hours passed by before she was finished. Her friends and family waited in angst.
Minutes To Hours
How Big?
The cyst came out to 60 pounds! If you struggle with understanding how much 60 pounds is, then it’s equivalent to seven babies! Katie woke from surgery surrounded by the hospital staff showing her pictures of what was inside her for so many months.
How Big?
Treated Like A Celebrity
Katie was overwhelmed and confused when she woke up from surgery. “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,” said Katie.
Treated Like A Celebrity
After Surgery
The cyst accounted for one-third of Katie’s body weight and she began to realize the impact it had on her life. She couldn’t do the things that were once so normal for her. It was a real burden on her life.
After Surgery
Losing The Cyst
Once she was lacking this excess weight she noticed that it was making easy tasks in her life seem difficult, like driving a car or walking upstairs. Losing this cyst essentially brought her back to life.
Losing The Cyst
Nickname
She was in utter disbelief that she was carrying so much weight around! After seeing the photos she said that “It looked like a massive pile of ice cream so I called it Mr. Whippy!”
Nickname
Medical Mystery
The doctors were blown away by the size of Katie’s cyst. She was a true medical phenomenon! She along with the entire medical staff could not believe what was living inside her for so long.
Medical Mystery
Back Home
Katie was released four days later and had the support of her mother and boyfriend. Although she was dreading this process, the after effect made it all worthwhile. Smith doesn’t even remember life without an extra 60 kg!
Back Home
Her Reminder
Katie has a 30- centimeter scar that extends from her sternum to her pelvis from the surgery. Not long after the procedure, she was already able to walk around easily. She couldn’t wait to start her new life with all the changes it brought. One drawback of the surgery was that Katie lost her right ovary, but the doctors informed her that this wouldn’t affect her having children.
Her Reminder
Body Changes
Aside from her scar, Katie’s stomach is also covered in stretch marks, which are daily reminders of this experience. Regardless, Katie prefers the stretch marks to a 60-pound lump growing in her stomach.
Body Changes
A New Katie
Katie’s family came to visit her soon after the surgery and they were shocked to see her new appearance. She was so thin, basically half the woman she was before the surgery! Katie was so happy to be back to herself.
A New Woman
Smooth Sailing
Katie recollects on her recover and says it has been more or less smooth sailing, with some hiccups along the way. She says that her health is definitely much better than last year, both physically and mentally.
Smooth Sailing
Saying Thanks
She has singled out her family, friends, and coworkers to say thank you for all their help during her recovery. Katie says she doesn’t think she could have done this without them and tells herself how lucky she is every day for her support network.
Saying Thanks
Inspirational
A year ago, Katie would never have shared her story. However, since then she has only grown more comfortable in her body. She is now sharing her story and is a true inspiration to us all!
Inspirational
There’s Hope
Despite going through this difficult experience and the reminder from her scar and stretch marks, Smith finally has her life back and has been reassured she will still be able to have children without her right ovary. She is so thankful for her surgeon.
There’s Hope
Alexandra & Antonin
Alexandra Kinova and her husband Antonin Kroscen had plans to create a family and they were unprepared for what was about to happen. They figured they had some time before starting their family together, but then they discovered that she was pregnant with twins. Unfortunately, one doctor’s visit revealed something unexpected…
Alexandra & Antonin
Happy To Be Expecting
Alexandra and her partner Antonin, a couple from the Czech republic were very excited when they heard that they were expecting a child. This is normal for any couple, but they were unprepared for what was coming for them.
Happy To Be Expecting
Ready For Parenthood
Although she was only 23, she wasn’t afraid of the future. Since she was already the mother of her child, she knew what to expect going forward. Little did she know that she was completely unprepared for what life had in store.
Ready For Parenthood
She Thought It Was Under Control
She figured her second pregnancy would be easy since she had already done it once before. Unfortunately, after visiting the doctor, she realized that this couldn’t be further from the truth. But what did they tell her?
She Thought It Was Under Control
More Than She Thought
While she was ready to have one child, she soon learned that she was having twins. It wasn’t that having twins was such an unusual concept, but this birth alone was about to be legendary and nobody knew at the time.
More Than She Thought
Completely Unaware
The possibilities were endless. Was she pregnant with an alien? Was Antonin not the father? The truth could be anything, but at least the ultrasound would help her understand in some way what was going on.
Completely Unaware
A Follow-Up
The first ultrasound was just like any other and Kinova simply saw that she was pregnant. The doctors were pleased that she was healthy and had no impression that something unsettling would be found in the second one.
A Follow Up
Even The Doctors Didn’t Know
Kinova visited the doctor once more and this time she learned some new information and within several weeks they found a heartbeat. But not just one.. this was not what they were planning for.
Even The Doctors Didn’t Know
Double The Fun
After Kinova had her ultrasound she learned she had twins in her belly. The couple was in complete shock. They were already parents of 1 and now they were about to be the parents of three. They had no clue what was coming.
Double The Fun
The Preparations
They spent the upcoming months planning and preparing for their twins. They purchased baby clothes and furniture to keep their babies comfortable. While they thought they were doing everything right, they were completely unaware of what was to come.
The Preparations
Unaware Of The Truth
In between her check-ups, everything seemed to be going as planned and Kinova did not expect anything out of the ordinary. While she was having twins, this still wasn’t unheard of to happen to a mother.
Unaware Of The Truth
Something’s Not Right
She was getting deeper into her pregnancy and she could sense that something wasn’t completely right. She waited anxiously for her next appointment and told herself that she would be okay in the meantime.
Something’s Not Right
Finally The Truth
When it came time for her next doctor’s appointment, they looked at her records and also at Kimova and were a bit confused. There was something about her that seemed slightly off. They decided to order a second ultrasound to get to the bottom of it.
Finally The Truth
Her Husband Was Completely Lost
Her partner was with her through everything and was present at all doctor’s appointments. He certainly could have never predicted what to find in the ultrasound nor for his new responsibilities.
Her Husband Was Completely Lost
Staying Positive
Kinova’s doctor and husband were becoming more concerned about her, despite this, she always remained calm and collective. She had been taking good care of herself ever since she found out she was pregnant and never missed a chance to take her vitamins. While she did not doubt that her babies would be healthy, her doctor made her think the opposite.
Staying Positive
The Doctor’s Would Say Differently
Kinova was brought to the hospital for her doctor’s visit and she listened as doctors spoke in quite tons about her pregnancy. She didn’t understand the secrecy and the fact that they didn’t notice she was standing right there.
The Doctor’s Would Say Differently
Concerned For Her Newborns
Her doctors’ faces said it all and gave her cause for panic. She was trying her best to stay positive but the moment she stepped into the doctor’s office that all chance. After her check-up that day she would understand why her doctor was becoming concerned about her.
Concerned For Her Newborns
The Opposite Of What They Thought
Going for an ultrasound was normal for an expecting mother but the reason the doctors were so concerned was because of how much her stomach had grown in such a short time. Finally, the doctors broke the news and the couple could not believe their ears.
The Opposite Of What They Thought
Expecting The Worst
The doctors broke the news that she was not carrying twins so she immediately assumed that one of the babies passed away. It happens sometimes where one twin eats the other but, that was not what happened in her situation.
Expecting The Worst
Looking For The Answers
Now she knew she wasn’t expecting twins, but what was it that she was expecting? She was starting to think that she wasn’t pregnant and maybe she just had a strange tumor that couldn’t stop growing. What they found hadn’t been seen in over 500 years.
Looking For The Answers
Fearing For Her Future
Kinova wasn’t sure what exactly was going on and she was getting more concerned about her health. She was following everything exactly how she was supposed to and was eating correctly. She was so upset to think that she may lose her babies.
Fearing For Her Future
The Doctors Couldn’t Believe It
By taking one look the doctors could tell that Kinova’s pregnancy wasn’t the norm for a woman expecting twins. Her stomach was increasing at an unusual speed that wasn’t even normal for a woman expecting triplets. The ultrasound offered some help but they still didn’t have all the answers they were hoping for.
The Doctors Couldn’t Believe It
Just More Questions
It was hard to tell what exactly was going from the ultrasound. It was clear she was not just expecting twins, but they were still not entirely just how many children she was going to have. Wow, that must have been unsettling for Kinova.
Just More Questions
Not Twins
The doctors broke the news that she wasn’t having twins and her heart sank to her stomach. This is the worst news to hear when your expecting twins, it makes a mother feel like they are no longer carrying a child. However, the truth was completely the opposite.
Not Twins
No Official Number
The doctors informed her that she wasn’t having twins or triplets. This seemed confusing, especially since she had not gone through any type of fertility treatment and so she wasn’t likely of having multiple births. It seemed that anything was possible at this point.
No Official Number
The Party Is Coming
The doctors confirmed amongst themselves and then confirmed with Kinova that she was having quadruplets. She was baffled by this, especially since she was already surprised to hear she was having twins! Now they were about to have a full house with 5 children! Finally, the surprises were over… or that’s what they thought.
The Party Is Coming
More To Come
The couple rushed back to the store to buy more items for their new babies. Now they had everything they needed for four babies. However, when they went in for another checkup, the ultrasound revealed something entirely.
More To Come
Another One Joins The Party
Alexandra and her husband Antonin were getting used to the idea of having four babies when they saw something in the ultrasound. Now they weren’t just having two babies or four, but instead, they were having five!
Another One Joins The Party
One Was Hiding
The doctors did not see the fifth baby right away because of all the fetuses in Kinova’s belly. They were all moving around and it was difficult to get a clear picture. Suddenly they noticed something else in the scan… Was it possible that there was a sixth baby?
One Was Hiding
Gender Reveal
Although she wasn’t expecting sixth babies, now that she was ready for it she still wanted to know if they would be boys or girls. She needed to know what she should be prepared in terms of outfits and colors, but the doctors could not give her those answers just yet.
Gender Reveal
The Big Day
Kinova was going to have to wait for the day to find out the genders of her babies. Kinova went into labor and 40 people were waiting in the waiting room for her and the quintuplets. It was clear that a lot could go wrong with so many babies involved but maybe her life was being threatened as well.
The Big Day
Calling For Help
The hospital staff and doctors on call were not used to so many births at once and they needed all the hands they could have. They even asked a cameraman to come in to capture the experience on film. There was barely room for Kinova’s own family or husband!
Calling For Help
All Hands On Deck
As soon as they popped out, each baby was looked after by two nurses. They had to check their vitals and make sure everything was running smoothly since there were so many births at once. All nurses were called in to monitor the babies.
All Hands On Deck
Safety Comes First
Given her situation, Kinova was forced to have a C-section. She was told that this would be the most responsible and secure method to make the babies were delivered in the safest way possible, without any problems.
Safety Comes First
The Little One
All of the babies required attention, but the littlest one needed a bit of extra support. Kinova and her babies spent several days in the hospital until they were taken home and ready to start a new life together.
The Little One
A Family Of Five
All of the births went smoothly and they now had a big happy family of five. The real question was now how many boys and how many girls the couple ended up having! Truthfully, as long as they all came out safely is really what we care about.
A Family Of Five
Mommies Move-In
Their house was about to get a bit fuller with 5 babies in addition to Kinova’s mother and her husband’s mother. They came to help the parents bring the babies home from the hospital but also moved into their home to offer further assistance. That’s not all they did, but they also asked the government for assistance since the babies soon became national news.
Mommies Move In
Record-Breaking News
Alexandra and Antonin were so happy with their family of eight had four boys, who were named Daniel, Alex, and Martin. The fifth was the only girl named Terezka. Turns out she even broke a record.
Record Breaking News
Special Babies
Alena Makarova was an obstetrician in the room and she did some research after the birth and discovered that this birth story was part of history. It was obvious that giving birth to 5 babies was a big deal, yet it wasn’t clear what it was that made them so special.
Special Babies
Rare Kind
The obstetrician was interviewed by the Telegraph and she explained that there had never been a mention of quintuplets, and she had all the records since 1949. Essentially, Kinova was the first mother to give birth to five children in the whole area.
Rare Kind
Quadruplets Are Just As Rare
In the Czech Republic, it has been found that quintuplets are born only once every 480 years. The chances of giving birth to quadruplets here are one in seven million. They decided to look at these statistics around the world.
Quadruplets Are Just As Rare
Vitro Fertilization
Giving birth to quintuplets is usually rare and is due to fertility treatment like In Virto Fertilization. However, Kinova conceived these babies naturally and the answer is probably found in her genes.
Vitro Fertilization
Family Connection
Kinova and Kroscen both explained that twins are common in their families. Since they run in both of their families, it is not completely surprising that they gave birth to quintuplets. Wow, five babies, that most be tiring!
Family Connection
Several Connections
Their family was receiving many donations and helping hands for their large family. Aside from financial support, they also had their family and friends who were willing to lend a hand wherever they could.
Several Connections
Financial Support
As soon as people started to hear about the quints’ birth, people from around the world wanted to help any way that they could, including with donations. This type of news is pretty rare and everyone was interested in helping raise money any way that they could.
Financial Support
Help From The Government
Unfortunately, the family couldn’t access outside donations because the government agreed to prove the family with assistance. They sent them a nanny, but over time they would see that this was not sufficient with 6 children.
Help From The Government
Access Denied
The system had never experienced a situation like Kinova and her family before so they denied providing extra government assistance. The Czech Social Affairs Ministry announced a statement saying “Simply put, our system is not prepared for such multiple instances of ‘good luck.’”
Access Denied
Strong Family
Although the family has gone through many obstacles they are still extremely happy to be raising their children and are excited to celebrate each birthday and celebration that their family of five shares together.
Strong Family
Too Much For Her
While it was certainly difficult taking care of five babies, Kinova and her husband have shown that you achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it. Given the condition, they were born in to, these babies have a 95% chance of growing up healthy and every day live the risk.
Too Much For Her
Milestones
Five years later and Kinova is still as energetic and loving as she was when the quintuplets were born. She is also motivated because her situation is extremely uncommon. The likelihood of conceiving quintuplets is one in 48 million pregnancies. There around 800 quintuplets around the world and 130 were conceived randomly.
Milestones
Big Happy Family
Time has passed since Alexandra learned that she was going to give birth to quintuplets and she didn’t ever foresee a life with so much love and happiness. All she knows for sure is that she has no plans having more children, despite her immense love for her children.
