BABY PANIC
THE world’s oldest parents are both in intensive care after the birth of their twin girls in India.
New dad Raja Rao, 78, collapsed while suffering a heart attack, just a day after his wife Erramatti Mangayamma, 74, underwent a caesarean section.
7
7
7
The couple married in 1962, and have been waiting 57 years for a child.
Dr Sanakayyala Umashankar, director of Ahalya Hospital in Kothapet, said the surgery went “smoothly, both mother and infants are healthy and have no complications whatsoever.
“However, the mother has been taken to intensive care unit to come out of the stress she had undergone for the last few hours.
"It's another world record."
Hours after their birth, thrilled dad Raja Rao hailed their arrival, saying: “Due to the grace of God and doctors, I am the proud father of two baby girls.
“We are the happiest couple on earth today.”
However, The Times reports, he collapsed one day later and was taken to the Ahalya Nursing Home’s intensive care unit in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
The couple have remained in intensive care since their babies, who were conceived by in vitro fertilisation (IVF), were born on September 5.
The home has not revealed why the new mum remains in intensive care, and it has not given an update on Raja Rao's condition.
7
DONOR MIRACLE
The Hindustan Times says that because Mangayamma had no chance of producing eggs, as she had already gone through menopause 25 years ago, an egg was used from another donor, and fertilised with her husband’s sperm.
Dr Umashankar said: “Luckily she conceived in the first cycle itself, and she was found to be pregnant this January.”
He added that her condition had been “constantly monitored” during her pregnancy, including by cardiologists, gynaecologists and a nutritionist.
The doctor said: “Since it is very difficult for her to have normal delivery in view of her age, we had to perform a caesarean operation.”
"BARREN COW"
The 74-year-old – cruelly dubbed a "barren cow" by others – is believed to have become the world's oldest mum.
Her niece told The Times that at one stage, the couple had considered adopting a child.
But Dr Umashankar recommended IVF instead as Mangayamma's "physical condition was so good.
"She doesn't have high blood pressure or diabetes, though my uncle has had heart problems for a few years."
The obstetrician told the paper, however, that his patient had lied about her age, and told him she was ten years younger.
He added: "It was only by chance, after she conceived, that her husband let out accidentally to one of the nurses her real age. I was livid."
After giving birth, Mangayamma told reporters: "I cannot express my words. These babies complete me.
"My six-decade wait has finally come to an end. Now, no one call me infertile any more."
Her family has said that they will look after the girls if necessary.
Mangayamma's brother, Devalla Raju, said the babies' relatives are "all here for them, no matter what".
Most read in world news
She is three years older than another septuagenarian who gave birth in India after undergoing IVF treatment.
Dalinder Kaur gave birth to a boy – her first baby – in 2016 at the age of 72.
Spaniard Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara delivered twins in December 2006 at the age of 66.
7
7
7