In an extraordinary case, a pair of twins in Hanoi were born five weeks apart, defying significant medical challenges. The older twin, a boy, was delivered prematurely at 26 weeks and weighed only 730 grams. Five weeks later, his sister was delivered to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

The mother, L.T.H., 26, from Hanoi, conceived the twins - a boy and a girl - through in vitro fertilization (IVF). While the pregnancy brought joy, complications arose at 24 weeks when she experienced abdominal pain and abnormal discharge.

Upon seeking medical attention, doctors discovered her cervix had begun to open. Despite efforts to perform a cervical stitch, the condition worsened, and the stitches gave way within six days. She was then transferred to the High-Risk Pregnancy Unit (A4) at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.

Dr. Nguyen Bien Thuy, Deputy Head of the unit, spearheaded her care.

A tough decision: Saving both lives

At 26 weeks, the boy’s amniotic sac ruptured, indicating a high risk of infection. Doctors had no choice but to deliver the baby immediately. The boy, weighing just 730 grams, was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for critical care.

The remaining twin faced a precarious situation. The risk of infection to the girl was high, but delivering her prematurely could lead to severe complications, including neurological, pulmonary, and ophthalmic issues - or even death.

After consulting with the family, Dr. Thuy decided to keep the second baby in utero. The team implemented a strict protocol of antibiotics, daily testing, and meticulous monitoring to prevent infection.

Remarkably, after a week, the mother’s cervix began to close, and signs of infection diminished. The girl continued to grow safely in her mother’s womb.

At 31 weeks, the mother developed severe preeclampsia, prompting the medical team to perform a cesarean section. The baby girl was born weighing 1.2 kilograms and was immediately transferred to the NICU for specialized care.

After more than a month of intensive care, the baby girl thrived, gaining weight and reaching 2.5 kilograms before being discharged to her family. Her brother, born at just 26 weeks, has also shown significant improvement, growing from 730 grams to 2.3 kilograms. He remains under medical supervision but is expected to reunite with his family soon.

The twins’ survival and recovery are a testament to modern medical advancements and the dedication of healthcare professionals. Their mother’s courage and the unwavering efforts of the medical team ensured a positive outcome in this rare and challenging case.

Vo Thu