The Mariana Grajales Maternity Hospital in Villa Clara has celebrated the birth of its first set of triplets in four years, a milestone achieved last Friday amid one of the worst economic crises Cuba has faced in decades.
The state-run broadcaster CMHW reported that the fortunate parents, Dr. Aracelys Fleites León, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, and her husband Yosami Álvarez Mora, an agricultural worker, were blessed with triplets after 15 years of attempts and infertility treatments.
Although the couple resides in the municipality of Encrucijada, Villa Clara, they underwent examinations at the infertility clinic of the Mariana Grajales Maternity Hospital. Following their diagnosis, they were referred to the Ramón González Coro Hospital in Havana and subsequently sought treatment at the IREGA Acapulco Clinic in Mexico.
The mother explained that due to COVID-19 restrictions and Cuba's shortages, they were compelled to travel to Mexico for the fertility procedure. Fleites recalled the immense joy she felt upon receiving the long-awaited news: "You can't imagine what I felt when they told me, 'you're pregnant,'" she shared with CMHW.
At the Mariana Grajales Maternity Hospital in Villa Clara, the mother received perinatal care, and since the birth on July 25th, her three babies—named Alicia, José Miguel, and José Antonio Álvarez Fleites—have received postnatal attention. The babies were born at 32.6 weeks, nearly 33 weeks, in good condition and with appropriate weights for their gestational age. Although they are progressing well, they will be discharged once they reach 2500 grams.
Since 2020, the Mariana Grajales Maternity Hospital had not experienced the simultaneous cries of triplets. On that occasion, Dayana Sifontes Linates gave birth to three boys, named Ángel Daniel, Joel Davis, and Danis Joel.
One of the most recent triplet births reported in Cuba took place last April at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin University Hospital in the province of Holguín. The first triplet birth by cesarean section of the year occurred, with the mother and newborns in perfect health. "The patient lives in the Pedernales Popular Council and is part of the Julio Grave de Peralta Health Area in the city of Holguín," stated the state-run Periódico Ahora on Facebook.
FAQs About Triplet Births and Fertility Treatments in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about triplet births and fertility treatments in Cuba, particularly in light of the recent successful birth at the Mariana Grajales Maternity Hospital in Villa Clara.
What challenges do couples face when seeking fertility treatments in Cuba?
Couples in Cuba often face challenges such as limited medical resources, economic constraints, and travel restrictions, which can make it difficult to access necessary fertility treatments.
Why did the couple travel to Mexico for fertility treatment?
The couple traveled to Mexico due to COVID-19 restrictions and the scarcity of medical resources in Cuba, which hindered their ability to undergo the necessary fertility procedure locally.
How are the triplets doing since their birth?
The triplets, born at 32.6 weeks, are in good condition and receiving postnatal care. They will be discharged from the hospital once their weight reaches 2500 grams.