Happy Birthday to Record Breaking Premature Twins!
Story by Kayla Adames. Photo courtesy of The Washington Post.
Can you guess which world record winning twins had a birthday on April 3rd? It’s twins Adiah (pictured left) and Adrial (pictured right), who were born micro premature last year.
These twins were born premature at 22 weeks. Average pregnancies last about 39 to 40 weeks. They were born so small, in fact, that their mother, Shakina Rejendram, could hold both of them in the palm of her hand. Adiah was born at about 11 ounces and Adrial at 14 ounces. For comparison, they weighed less than a can of soda, so imagine how tiny these babies were. At birth, their doctor said to prepare for the worst because of potential disability and possible death due to such a premature birth. But after some tough months in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) with underdeveloped lungs and bone fractures, they made it through. Now, the twins’ weight is right on track for their age. Adriah is currently at 15 pounds and her brother is at 17 pounds, which is worth celebration when it comes to preemies.
So, let’s give a big round of applause and a happy birthday to these record-breaking babies! Also, a big round of applause to both of their parents and medical staff, for helping them reach this milestone birthday.
Kayla Adames is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.