Sunday, a Minnesota woman delivered sextuplets at 22 weeks gestation. The babies are all in critical condition.
http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_162145756.html
Monday, an Arizona woman delivered sextuplets at 30 weeks, 4 days gestation. Her babies, astoundingly, ranged from 2 lbs 1 oz to 3 lbs.
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=6640667
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19175054/ (this link inclues a picture of one of the babies)
I’m having a remarkably visceral reaction to this right now and I can’t quite put it into words right now.
Edit: I have two things to add:
1. I would not say that the 22 week babies are doing well. They are listed in critical condition, but I’d frankly be surprised if they all survive, or even most of them. Most doctors agree that viability really happens closer to 24 weeks gestation, and even then, it’s pretty rocky. In that context, sure they’re doing well in that they’re still alive at all, but they have a LONG road ahead of them.
2. I’m not freaked out about this in the context of my triplets. I don’t think this has any bearing on MY future. I just… I still can’t even talk about it, really. I’m really frustrated about the whole situation, in BOTH cases, and I don’t yet have words enough to be eloquent about it. No, I’m not worried that I’m going to have 22 week triplets. I’m not worried that my triplets will be 2 pounders (though I’m a bit worried that they’ll be three pounders, but that’s a whole different story). I’m just frustrated with both couples, with both stories, with both circumstances, with their doctors, with everything.
ChezPerky 