No parent ever forgets the day they welcomed their child into the world, but California couple Hannah and Tom Hepner's birthing story is especially memorable. Why? On November 22, __the two had three naturally conceived identical triplets–__an occurrence that happens so rarely, it's often referred to as a "one-in-a-million" chance!
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Unlike in most cases of multiples, the Hepners were not using fertility treatments when they found they were expecting little Abby, Brin and Laurel. The three girls were conceived the old-fashioned way, with one single fertilized egg splitting into three–which, according to doctors, happens basically never.
"Identical triplets are anywhere from one-in-a-million and one-in-a hundred million," Dr. William M. Gilbert, founder of Moms of Multiples Center, told The Sacramento Bee. "It is so rare that it is hard to calculate how frequently they occur." Wow, those are some pretty crazy odds!
Considering the rarity of the situation, it's no surprise that Tom was left a little in awe of his 29-year-old wife. "[She's] quite a remarkable woman. She cruised through the experience. Hats off to her," he said. No kidding! It's no easy feat carrying and giving birth to one baby, let alone three!
Thankfully though, all three girls were born healthily and at a normal range of weights, with Abby weighing 3 pounds, 2 ounces; Brin, 3 pounds, 11 ounces; and Laurel coming in at 4 pounds. They are expected to go home as soon as they can maintain their body temperature and eat properly.
Meanwhile, the Hepners are just thrilled to spend time with their three beautiful new babies. As for how they managed to beat all odds with their triplets, Tom joked, "We are thinking of bottling the water in Quincy and offering it as a fertility treatment." Ha! Congrats to the happy family!
Image via KTXL
