In a rare medical event, a woman in Bhopal delivered quadruplets — two boys and two girls — at Kailashnath Katju Hospital, marking the first such case in the city's history. The premature birth via Caesarean section occurred in the seventh month of pregnancy, with doctors expressing surprise and caution over the condition of the newborns.
Dr Smita Saxena, Superintendent of Katju Hospital, confirmed that the unique case was detected early during a routine check-up. "When the woman came for her first medical examination, the sonography revealed four foetuses. The babies were delivered preterm through C-section," she said.
The newborns each weigh between 800 grams and 1 kilogram — significantly below the average healthy birth weight. All four infants have been placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with two in critical condition. "They are under strict observation in the warmer room," Dr. Saxena added.
Multiple births, particularly of triplets, have become increasingly common, but the birth of quadruplets remains an exceptionally rare occurrence. The woman was rushed to the hospital’s emergency ward after experiencing labour pains in her seventh month. Given the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, both the mother and her babies are receiving specialised care.
Dr Saxena emphasized the complexities involved in managing such cases, particularly when they involve premature infants. “In scenarios like this, extra medical attention is crucial for both the mother and the newborns. We are monitoring them round-the-clock,” she said.
Hospital authorities said the medical team acted swiftly to ensure the safety of both mother and children. The case continues to draw attention, with hopes pinned on the survival and recovery of all four newborns.