Naturally Conceived Identical Triplets Born in Calif.

Identical triplets are extremely rare thus termed “one-in-a-million” chance especially when conceived in a natural way. While it is common to have multiple births when assisted with fertility treatments, it is a totally different story for the Hepner family.

Hannah, 29, and Tom Hepner, 33, Plunas Country, Calif. were very proud parents of a one-in-million identical triplets conceived without any fertility treatments such as medications, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, reproductive surgery, and more.

On Nov. 22, Abby, Brin and Laurel Hepner were born at Sutter Memorial Hospital. They are identical triplets which explain why they look exactly the same.

“Identical triplets are anywhere from one-in-a-million and one-in-a hundred million,” said Dr. William M. Gilbert, medical director of Sutter Women’s Services and founder of Moms of Multiples Center, to Sacramento Bee. “It is so rare that it is hard to calculate how frequently they occur.”

The identical triplets were born equally healthy. Abby and Brin weigh 3 pounds while Laurel is 4 pounds. The doctors attending the triplets explained that it is normal to have a slight variation on the weights of the babies because they had to share a single placenta while inside the womb thus dividing the nutrition they were getting. However, they explained that there is a benefit of being born smaller than the others because it helps the lungs develop faster.

The identical triplets are lucky to be born healthy as most of the multiple births experience complications on the brain. The mother is at risk too of high blood pressure which Hannah experienced before giving birth.

The three angels are still under observation in the hospital but will be sent home immediately as soon as they have reached the ideal weight which should be between 5.5 and 10 pounds.

Hannah is still amazed that she successfully delivered the three angels. She said: “It did happen and they are here.”

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