6.9.19

74-yr-old Andhra woman gives birth to twins via IVF


An Indian woman has set a world record by giving birth to twins through in-vitro fertilisation technology at the age of 74. This long cherished dream of hers to become a mother was achieved almost three decades after attaining menopause.

Erramatti Mangayamma of Draksharamam town in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh delivered twins at Ahalya IVF and Nursing Home in Guntur city. Hospital head Dr. Sanakkayala Umasankar announced that the mother and two baby girls, born at 1.8 kg each, are doing well.

Mangayamma’s husband Raja Rao, 78, is also thrilled to have become father at this age.

Married for 57 years, the couple did not have kids, though they tried all means suggested by concerned relatives and friends. “I gave up. But, a woman in our locality conceived and delivered a baby at 55. She told me about IVF. I proposed it... my husband agreed,” shared the ecstatic mother.

Mangayamma approached fertility specialist Umasankar in November last, who was challenged by the rare case. Doctors also said it was made possible as Mangayamma had no blood pressure or sugar complaints, and was healthy for her age.

Hailing from a farming background, the couple summoned their savings for all medical expenses. Umasankar first suggested acquiring an egg from another woman due to Mangayamma being menopausal, to which the couple agreed. The process began in November-December last year and in the very first cycle, success was achieved — Mangayamma conceived in January 2019. She was advised to stay in hospital for close monitoring by multiple specialists, including a gynaecologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, nutritionist, and others.

In the course of the pregnancy, doctors found twins in her womb. On September 5, a Caesarean was performed and the daughters delivered. Umasankar said, “I don’t think she will have any major health issues in the post-delivery period. As she is unable to breastfeed, a milk bank will be used,” adding that the parents did not wish to divulge any further private details about the fertility process.

According to him, the last known record is Daljeender Kaur, a woman from Rajasthan, giving birth to a child at 70 years of age on April 19, 2016.

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