These cute quadruplets in England set a medical first in the U.K.
They are the first quadruplets ever to be conceived naturally from four
separate fertilized eggs. The odds of natural quadruplets are about 1 in
700,000 and to have them conceived from four different eggs is even
less likely.
Only three or four sets of quads are born each year in
the UK. They normally occur when one or two fertilised eggs divide in
the mother’s womb. This means two or three of the quads are from one
egg. They may even be two sets of identical twins.
Experts say they have never heard of a case of non-identical quads being conceived naturally rather than through IVF.
Their parents Katalina Martin and Matthew Davies each have a child
from a previous relationship but wanted one more to complete the family.
Now, to their joy and amazement, they have an instant handful.
They thought they would be unable to have another baby after doctors
diagnosed Miss Martin, 28, with polycystic ovary syndrome, which makes
it difficult to conceive naturally.
Miss Martin, who has been supported by the Helping Hands project run
by the Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba), said: ‘I was so
relieved when they were all born safe and well.
‘I couldn’t believe when I saw them lying there in their cots. They
all came from a different egg… and they have different personalities.’
The odds of natural quads are about 700,000 to 1, but experts said
they could not estimate the probability of a non-identical set.
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