A 32-year-old woman from Alabama has defied the odds and given birth to twin girls from two separate uteruses on two consecutive days, she announced on Friday.
Kelsey Hatcher, who was born with a rare condition called “uterus didelphys” that causes her to have two uteruses, shared the news of her miracle babies on her Instagram account “doubleuhatchlings”. She wrote: “Our miracle babies were born! They decided they were rare enough statistically that they should just go ahead and have their own birthdays too”. The first twin, Roxi Layla, was born on Tuesday at 7:49 pm (0149 GMT), while the second twin, Rebel Laken, was born on Wednesday at 6:09 am.
Hatcher, who is a massage therapist and a mother of three other children, said she was overjoyed and grateful for her unique pregnancy and delivery. She said: “It’s been a long and hard journey, but it’s all worth it. I feel so blessed and lucky to have these beautiful girls in my life. They are truly a gift from God”.
Hatcher discovered she had “uterus didelphys” when she was 17 years old, after undergoing an MRI scan for back pain. The condition affects about 0.3 percent of people born female and can cause infertility, miscarriage, and premature birth. Hatcher said she was told by doctors that she would never be able to have children, but she proved them wrong by having four successful pregnancies, including the twins.
Hatcher found out she was pregnant with twins in both uteruses in May, during a routine eight-week ultrasound visit. She said she was shocked and scared, but also excited and hopeful. She said: “I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a mistake. But then I saw the two heartbeats and I knew it was real. I was terrified of the risks and complications, but I also felt a special bond with my babies. I knew they were fighters and survivors”.
Hatcher was closely monitored by her obstetrician-gynecologist, Shweta Patel, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Women & Infants Center. Patel said that pregnancies in both uteruses are extremely rare, with only a handful of cases reported in the world. She said: “The odds of this happening are 1 in 50 million. It’s a medical marvel. Kelsey is an amazing woman and a remarkable mother. She handled the pregnancy and delivery with grace and courage”.
Hatcher delivered the twins by cesarean section, with a team of doctors and nurses assisting her. She said the delivery was smooth and fast, and that she felt a mix of emotions when she saw her babies for the first time. She said: “It was the most incredible moment of my life. I was crying and laughing and hugging them. They were so beautiful and perfect. I couldn’t ask for anything more”.
The twins, who weighed 4 pounds 11 ounces and 4 pounds 15 ounces respectively, were taken to the neonatal intensive care unit for observation, but they were healthy and stable. Hatcher said they had different personalities and features, but they also looked alike and shared a strong connection. She said: “They are so different and so alike. Roxi is more calm and quiet, while Rebel is more active and loud, they have different hair colors and eye colors, but they also have the same nose and mouth. They are always looking for each other and cuddling with each other. They are the best of friends”.
Hatcher and her twins were discharged from the hospital on Monday, and they joined their siblings at home for Christmas. Hatcher said she was looking forward to spending time with her family and celebrating the holidays. She said: “It’s the best Christmas ever. I have everything I ever wanted and more. I’m so happy and thankful for my family and my twins. They are my miracle babies”.
