Mom Holds Premie Conjoined Twins for First Time

Arizona, USA

For Arizona mom Ashley Frank, today was a very special day. This morning marked the first time 20 year-old Ashley was able to hold her newborn babies in her arms-- 4 long days after their birthday. The infants were born conjoined (which occurs about once in every 100,000 births) at just 32 weeks and four days, two months less than a full term pregnancy. Although they had been in good health until recently, the last ultrasound revealed that Ashley had lost almost all her amniotic fluids and was suffering from an enlarged bladder. Doctors decided that the twins-- who were old enough to survive outside the womb-- would be safest if an emergency C-section were performed. Happily, the twins and their mom pulled through the surgery just fine and are doing wonderfully under the care of doctors at Phoenix Children's Hospital. The newborns share only a liver-- making the possibility of separation far easier once they are a little older and stronger. For now, Ashley, proud papa Johnny, as well as new big sisters Manuela and Adianna, are just happy to be together.

For the original link: http://www.kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=16997

and an interview with the glowing new mother: http://www.wptz.com/video/17221510/index.html