Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a leading hospital in the UAE and part of the PureHealth group, has successfully delivered five babies from a rare quintuplet pregnancy. This extraordinary accomplishment underscores the hospital’s advanced capabilities in managing high-risk pregnancies and neonatal care.
Quintuplet pregnancies occur in approximately 1 in 45 to 60 million cases, making the event exceptionally rare. The babies were delivered at just 25 weeks of gestation via emergency Caesarean section, involving a dedicated team of 45 medical professionals. Each newborn, weighing between 588 and 801 grams, required immediate and intensive care in SSMC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, acting chief medical officer at SSMC, highlighted the hospital’s comprehensive approach to complex cases, stating, “We are proud to provide exceptional patient care and a highly skilled medical team for critical pregnancies.”
One of the newborns underwent surgeries for eye and bowel complications, further demonstrating the hospital’s expertise. Weekly planning and simulations ensured the seamless execution of the delivery, resulting in no postpartum complications for the mother.
The mother was discharged a week after delivery, with all five babies joining her at home following their NICU stay. The family continues to receive follow-up care at SSMC’s outpatient clinic.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to innovative, patient-centred care,” said Dr. Faisal Al Zidgali, chair of SSMC’s neonatology division. The achievement marks a significant step forward in neonatal medicine for the UAE.
