Parents of quintuplets born in Dubai mourn baby’s death

Dubai: Just three days after Ranim Amir Barmada gave birth to quintuplets, her joy was cut short by the death of one of the children at the hospital on Wednesday.

The Syrian couple refused to comment, but hospital sources said the four other babies were coping well.

Gulf News had talked to the mother after she found out she gave birth to quintuplets. “When I was told they were five instead of four, I felt five times as happy,” said Ranim, who was surrounded by family and friends.

Ranim will leave the hospital on Thursday, but the four babies will remain in hospital.

After visiting her babies several times in the day, Ranim revealed their names. “The eldest is Amjad, then Agyad, Aya, Akram, and Alma,” she said.

Aya, who weighs the least at 500g, is the third of the five babies.

Tough pregnancy

Ranim gave birth to the quintuplets in the seventh month of her pregnancy. “We were always worried about Aya because she had a low heart beat and wasn’t getting the nutrition she needed,” she said.

Ranim also said that she had to take a lot of medicines during her pregnancy and experienced high blood pressure. “Throughout my pregnancy, the doctor was very helpful and took special care of me,” she added.

As a result of carrying five babies which led her uterus to expand, Ranim will need a longer period of recovery.

“I feel much better now, but I still need help to stand up and move around,” she said.

Ranim said that with only one big crib at home, the couple still needs to do a lot of shopping for baby products.

The couple hopes to receive support from the UAE Government. “I know that the UAE will consider our situation and help us,” Ranim said.