Ethiopia: A 35-year-old woman in Ethiopia’s Harari Regional State has given birth to rare naturally conceived quintuplets after spending 12 years trying to have a child.
Bedriya Adem delivered four boys and one girl at the Hiwot Fana Specialised Hospital through a Caesarean section, hospital officials confirmed. The newborns, who each weighed between 1.3kg and 1.4kg, are reported to be in full health and remain under medical supervision alongside their mother.
Bedriya stated that, “I cannot express my happiness in words,” describing years of emotional pain and social pressure before finally becoming a mother. Bedriya added that, “I prayed for just one child, and Allah gave me five.“
Rare natural conception
According to doctors, the quintuplets were conceived naturally without the aid of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), making the case exceptionally rare. Medical experts estimate the chances of naturally conceiving quintuplets at roughly one in 55 million.
Dr. Mohammed Nur Abdulah, medical director at the hospital, said Bedriya received regular prenatal care throughout her pregnancy and was informed she was carrying multiple babies. Dr. Mohammed Nur Abdulah stated that, “She had full and proper medical assistance throughout,” adding that babies weighing more than one kilogram generally have strong survival and healthy growth prospects.
Bedriya said doctors initially informed her she was expecting four babies, but a fifth child was discovered during delivery.
Years of emotional struggle
The first-time mother opened up about the psychological challenges she faced during her long wait for motherhood. She revealed that her husband already had a child from another marriage and often reassured her not to worry about having children of her own.
However, Bedriya said she silently endured emotional pain as villagers frequently questioned why she could not give birth.
Concerns over raising five babies
Bedriya, a subsistence farmer, admitted she is uncertain how she will support her expanded family but remains hopeful. The five newborns have been named Naif, Ammar, Munzir, Nazira, and Ansar. Bedriya noted that, “I believe Allah will provide, through the support of my community and the government.“
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