Expectant Mother Shocked to Discover She’s Pregnant with Rare Identical Triplets
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Jocelyn Galvez and Nick Jahn, a couple from California, were in for a surprise when they found out they were expecting not just one baby, but identical triplet girls. The news came during Jocelyn’s initial appointment with her OB-GYN, where they heard not one, but three heartbeats. Jocelyn, 27, expressed her shock at the revelation, stating, “To find out we’re having multiples was very shocking.”
Dr. Ilina D. Pluym, a maternal fetal medicine physician at UCLA Health who oversaw Jocelyn’s pregnancy, explained the rarity of their situation. The odds of expecting identical triplets are estimated to be between 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000, making it an extraordinary occurrence. Considering that the chances of having triplets in general are only about 1 in 10,000, the news was truly remarkable for the couple.
As the triplets shared the same placenta, Jocelyn’s pregnancy was deemed high-risk, with concerns about the equitable distribution of nutrients among the babies. The couple was advised by doctors to be cautious due to the potential challenges ahead. They kept the news to themselves for the initial months before eventually sharing it with their loved ones, leading to multiple surprise baby showers to celebrate the impending arrival of their rare identical triplets.
On June 25, after 33 weeks of pregnancy, Jocelyn underwent a cesarean section to deliver the triplets — Sienna, Rose, and Lily, who each weighed approximately 3lbs. The delivery involved a team of hospital staff, ensuring a smooth process as the babies entered the world one after another, just 45 seconds apart. Despite the initial separation due to their premature birth, the triplets were found to be healthy and thriving.
The newborns spent varying durations in the NICU before being discharged and reunited with their parents at home. Adjusting to life with three babies has presented its challenges for Jocelyn and Nick, with the couple navigating feeding schedules, multiple cries, and sleepless nights. Despite the demands, the parents are grateful for the unique experience of raising identical triplets and are already noticing distinct characteristics in each of their daughters.
Postponing their wedding plans to focus on their growing family, Jocelyn and Nick express deep gratitude towards their relatives and the medical team at UCLA Health for their unwavering support. Reflecting on their journey to parenthood, the couple acknowledges the immense impact of their healthcare providers in ensuring the health and well-being of their daughters. Nick emphasises the significance of family during this time, underscoring the joy and fulfilment their daughters have brought into their lives.
The remarkable journey of Jocelyn, Nick, and their rare identical triplets serves as a testament to the resilience and joy that new life brings, even in the face of unexpected challenges. As they embrace the joys and complexities of raising three babies simultaneously, the couple looks forward to the adventures and milestones that lie ahead in their extraordinary parenting journey.