The medical team at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Al Wakra Hospital (AWH) at Hamad Medical Corporation succeeded in helping a couple who had been suffering from infertility for more than 14 years. After receiving treatment, the wife, gave birth to quadruplets in perfect health, despite facing immune system problems that had previously prevented pregnancy throughout their 14-year marriage.

Dr Lolwa al-Ansari, senior consultant and head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at AWH, explained: "This case is one of many in which we have been blessed by Allah to achieve pregnancy after patients have attempted at other centres. What's unique about this case is that it's the first quadruplet pregnancy since the establishment of the Assisted Reproduction Unit in February 2022. The patient came for follow-up complaining of delayed conception for 14 years, during which she underwent two cycles of in vitro fertilisation outside HMC, but without success.”

Dr Lolwa added: "Based on that, the medical team conducted all the necessary tests and examinations, and it was found that the problem was with the mother's immune system. Therefore, a treatment plan was devised for the patient, which included undergoing the IVF procedure and transferring two embryos to the uterus. Two weeks after the procedure, during regular follow-ups, it was discovered that there were not only two but three sacs in the mother's uterus. The mother then continued with immunotherapy, and during routine pregnancy check-ups in the twelfth week, the surprise came when a fourth sac was detected. The mother continued with follow-ups throughout the pregnancy until a successful cesarean delivery was performed in the 31st week of pregnancy, and all the newborns were in good health."

Dr Lolwa noted that the Assisted Reproduction Unit at AWH is a significant addition, as it has helped accommodate more cases of delayed conception. Since its opening, the unit has received approximately 446 patients, and during this period, over 100 IVF attempts have been made, resulting in a pregnancy rate of up to 65%.

The unit receives referrals from private and governmental centres, as well as HMC hospitals or from infertility clinics. These referrals are reviewed by specialised doctors, sorted, and appointments are scheduled accordingly. Based on the results of the tests and examinations conducted, a treatment plan is formulated, which may involve undergoing the IVF procedure or other interventions.

Dr Lolwa emphasised the medical team's commitment at the Assisted Reproduction Unit at AWH to provide necessary psychological support to patients undergoing the IVF experience throughout the treatment period.