Miracle triplets born naturally in Dubai to 42-year-old Pakistani mom of five

Dubai: In an extraordinary turn of events, a 42-year-old Pakistani expat mother of five has naturally conceived and delivered a set of triplets at a hospital in Dubai – considered a rarity by both medical and maternal standards.

The couple, residents of Umm Al Quwain, were initially told they were expecting twins – until a later scan revealed a surprise third heartbeat. The high-risk pregnancy was eventually referred to Prime Hospital in Dubai for delivery and specialised neonatal care.

Family now has eight children in total

Sohailla Naeem Tufail, a housewife, and her 44-year-old husband, Tufail, said they are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. In Sohailla’s extended family, these are the first triplets ever born – making the occasion even more special. The couple already has five children – two sons and three daughters – with their eldest now 20 years old.

‘First, we were told it was twins’

The triplets – two boys and a girl – were born prematurely at 33 weeks of gestation, weighing between 1.75 and 1.86 kg.

“It was shocking at first. We were told it was twins. But later scans showed it was actually triplets. We were surprised and overjoyed. This is truly a gift from Allah,” Sohailla said, her voice full of emotion.

Babies: A delicate start, a hopeful future

As with many preterm births, the newborns faced immediate health challenges, including underdeveloped lungs and difficulty feeding. They required oxygen support, ventilators and round-the-clock monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Sohailla praised the exceptional care provided by the hospital during what she described as the most intense and beautiful journey of her life. The case was managed by Dr Shahid Gauhar, Specialist Neonatologist, Neonatal Intensive Care and Paediatrics, Dr Suneel Kumar (paediatric and duty doctor), Dr Riffat Sarwar, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Shiny Sam, a dedicated NICU nurse.

“The staff and doctors have been incredibly caring. I never felt alone as they held my hand every step of the way,” Sohailla noted.

Embracing the future with faith, strength

While acknowledging the emotional and financial strain that comes with raising triplets, the family is leaning on their faith and unity to move forward.

“Yes, the responsibilities have grown and expenses too. We may need to move to a bigger house depending on our budget. But this is the happiest time of our lives,” said Tufail.

Sohailla added: “Our older children are grown up and understanding. With their help and Allah’s blessings, I believe we will manage just fine.”

Natural triplets at 42 – a rare blessing

Medically, the natural conception of triplets at the age of 42 is extremely rare. Fertility in women declines significantly after age 35, and most multiple births at this stage typically involve fertility treatments.

Doctors at Prime Hospital confirmed that this pregnancy occurred naturally, with no fertility drugs, ovulation treatments, or assisted reproduction involved.

“Such naturally conceived triplets are extremely uncommon and are considered a rare blessing, especially in families with no prior history of multiple births,” doctors noted.