A Northern Portland woman has beat the odds and is expecting a rare set of identical triplets. And while naturally conceived triplets are rare, identical triplets are far less common. A variety of estimates, place the odds anywhere from 1:150,000-160,000 up to 1:200 million.
Janet Pittsenbarger is feeling healthy and awaiting the arrival of her three baby boys, due in November. The rare pregnancy has never before happened at OHSU. Dr. Leonardo Pereira, the Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at OHSU, says he has only seen one other case during his career. Even Janet and his husband were shocked by the news. At their first ultrasound appointment, the parents did not believe the technician at first.
“I don’t know if I believed her right away,” said Philip. “But sure enough we looked on the screen and there were three little blobs there.”
Janet has to take 19 vitamins a day and is on a 4,000-calorie diet to keep the three babies healthy. Now in her 7th month of pregnancy, she has already gained 60 pounds. She is also on bed rest until the babies are due, though her doctor suspects they will come much sooner than her due date. The extremely large mama-to-be wants the babies to go as long as possible but feels her body is nearing its limit.
“I’m feeling good overall,” said Janet. “But I’m starting to reach my limit.”
Janet says she now mostly lies or sits and tries to stay comfortable as can be. She updates friends and family on the amazing pregnancy through her blog, Pitts Trip’s, while waiting to be far enough along for her boys to come safely. – Summer, staff writer
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I wish her the best of luck. I have a set if Identical Triplet Girls. They are almost 4 now. They are so much fun. There is always someone for them to play with.