Birth of Quintuplets Naturally Conceived... First Case in Korea

Taemyeong is 'Pangpang Laser'
3 boys, 2 girls

Five quintuplets were safely delivered at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Photo by the hospital

Quintuplets were safely born at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. This is the first case in Korea of delivering quintuplets conceived naturally.

The team of Professors Hong Subin from Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yoon Youngah from Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and Shin Jungmin at Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital announced on the 20th that they successfully completed the multiple birth of five newborns to a mother in her 30s.

The mother was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome at the obstetrics and gynecology department she visited to prepare for pregnancy after marriage. After the first treatment to induce precise ovulation by treating the simultaneous occurrence of small follicles, natural pregnancy occurred immediately. The couple named the fetus 'Pangpangi.' Later, additional tests confirmed the fetus was twins. The nickname was changed to 'Pangpang Ranger,' likening the five members to the Power Rangers.

The mother's belly was swollen like full term well before the due date in December. Due to pregnancy complications making it impossible to delay delivery, a cesarean section was decided at 27 weeks.

Five quintuplets were safely delivered at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Photo by the hospital

For the quintuplets, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital's obstetrics and gynecology department, as well as anesthesiology and pain medicine, pediatrics and adolescent medicine, and dedicated delivery room nurses, thoroughly prepared in advance. Preparations were made outside the operating room to welcome the babies into the world. Five newborn bracelets, newborn records, and incubators were prepared, each labeled from first to fifth.

Each newborn was cared for by a team of three medical staff: a pediatrics professor, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse, and a delivery room nurse. The neonatal intensive care unit staff also prepared for the arrival.

The first baby boy was born at 11:37, followed by two more boys and two girls. All were safely transferred to the intensive care unit.

The father, Mr. Kim, said, "While receiving care from Professor Jeon Jonggwan of Ewha Mokdong Hospital, known for expertise in multiple births, we decided to protect all five lives, but when the delivery date was suddenly set, I was worried because there was no hospital room for all five children to be admitted at once."

Professor Hong Subin from Obstetrics and Gynecology said, "I am happy that many medical staff worked together so the mother could give birth as planned."