We understand why unusual multiple births are called names like miraculous conjoined twins or successful octuplet delivery. The parents of these infants come up with these terms because they want nothing more than a risk-free birth. This was especially the case for a certain British couple. A month ago, they shared their joy and welcomed their “miracle” conjoined twin babies into the world.
In this article, you’ll read:
- British Parents Welcome Their Miraculous Conjoined Twins
- The Risk of Conjoined Twins Surgical Separation
- The success rate of conjoined twins separation surgeries
British Parents Welcome Their Miraculous Conjoined Twins
A little over a month ago, a British mum gave birth to her one-in-two million bundles of joy. Parents Hannah and Dan Bateson from Ireland welcomed their miraculous conjoined twins after nine months of roller-coaster experiences.
The couple decided to name their babies Annabelle and Isabelle as they entered the world in March. According to them, their lovely “miracle” conjoined twins “constantly hug each other.”
One in Every Two Million Pregnancy
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The Bateson couple decided to start their fertility treatment last year as they are already planning to conceive. To their surprise, the couple found that Mrs Bateson fell pregnant within the first cycle.
However, an early scan scared them as soon as they found out their pregnancy carries conjoined twins. this type of pregnancy occurs in one in every two million pregnancies.
The health care providers knew from early on that girls shared several body parts. Unfortunately, at that time, they still could not tell if any vital organs were affected. Along with this, the twins’ vital organs are crucial for their survival and long-term health.
“You felt in limbo because we knew they were conjoined, but we knew so little about the information about the extent of the conjoin,” said Mrs Bateson.
Back then, the British couple did not have much information about the condition of their lovely twins. They had “so little” knowledge about giving birth to conjoined twins and how to take good care of them.
Before the twins’ birth, their medical providers refer the couple to London’s University College Hospital. According to them, it would be best if a specialist facilitates the delivery at the hospital.
The “Miracle” Babies
At present, babies Annabelle and Isabelle are six weeks old. According to the doctors, they were joined from the chest to the pelvis. Aside from that, they also share a bladder, bowel, and a fused leg. Thankfully, the twins did not share one heart.
“They’re miracles. A miracle is a word we’ve used from the day we found out we were having them,” said Mrs Bateson.
In situations like this, the operation’s success depends on where the twins are joined and which organs they share. In most cases, only one twin survives the process.
It would be impossible to separate twins who share only one heart. Luckily, Annabelle and Isabelle were born with separate hearts despite being conjoined.
The Family Plans on Separating the Miraculous Conjoined Twins
The miraculous conjoined twins will need multiple surgeries into their teenage years. Concerning this, their parents are determined to help their twins live a healthy life.
At present, the new family is preparing for the next challenge with surgery to start the process of separating them. Their first surgical operation is scheduled for May 2022.
According to the twins’ mum,
“Their wee bodies are different. The girls will have prosthetic legs, and they’ll have one leg each and a prosthetic leg each.”
With 680,000 children born each year in the United Kingdom, a pair of conjoined twins would be birthed every four years.
The Risk of Conjoined Twins Surgical Separation
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According to experts, the surgical separation of conjoined twins is a delicate and risky procedure. It is a high-risk operation with a low success rate which is why it requires extreme precision and care. It is also why the decision to separate twins is a serious one.
Aside from that, the mortality rates for twins who undergo separation vary. It depends on their type of connection and the organs that they share.
Success Rates Have Improved Over the Years
Thanks to new developments in medicine, we’re relieved to report that the success rate of conjoined twins separation has improved. However, parents should keep in mind that the operation is still rare and risky.
Meanwhile, there are no known survivors in some cases where the twins are sharing for one heart. At present, there are no known successful operations on twins where the pumping chambers of their hearts are conjoined.
After the surgical separation, most twins require intensive rehabilitation. Various treatments also apply to the post-care process because of the malformation and position of their spine.
The muscles in the patients’ backs are still constantly flexing. They often have difficulty bending their backs forward and backwards and sitting up straight.
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