Triplets in good shape despite 'nightmare' delivery

A woman has given birth to triplets following a delivery described by a doctor as a "nightmare". The triplets were born in Al Zahra Hospital here. The two girls and a boy, born to a Sri Lankan couple, however, are said to be in good condition. Each weighs about two kilos.

Dr Urmil Verma, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who handled the delivery, told Gulf News yesterday that the mother, Lenita Johnson, 28, was first admitted to the hospital when she was only 29 weeks pregnant. She was suffering from a very low haemoglobin level and high blood pressure. She was also feeling very heavy and unable to move.

"Lenita went into labour a couple of times earlier than her due date, which was supposed to be in August. We had to prevent this from happening to save the mother and her babies," Verma said. When the time was right, the babies were delivered by cesarean section. They were all in different positions in the womb, as is the case with multiple pregnancies. As she was very anaemic, she required blood transfusions and was given about four litres of blood. Her friends and relatives donated blood.

"After the delivery, I noticed that she was bleeding. I found that her ovaries had over 100 cysts and were bleeding. I had to stop the bleeding. I stumbled on these problems all by chance. I guess the woman was very lucky."

Since the cysts are benign, she will receive medication for two or three months. Verma said this was one of the most challenging deliveries she has ever handled. Lenita, who appeared to be in high spirits after the operation, said the babies were a great blessing from God. She added that although she used to work, she will now stay at home to look after her babies and will not leave them in anyone's care. This was her first pregnancy.

Her husband Lenily, who works as a marketing manager for a private firm in Dubai, said he was very happy to have three children all at once and that they were all healthy. The couple praised Verma for the wonderful job she did and thanked the hospital staff for their care. On whether they would consider having more children, they laughed and said, "Maybe".