In a remarkable story of hope, courage, and strength, Canadian twins Adiah and Adrial Nadarajah have been named the world’s most premature twins by Guinness World Records. Born at just 22 weeks, the twins have beaten incredible odds to celebrate their first birthday. According to Guinness World Records, if the twins had been born even one hour earlier than 22 weeks, the hospital would not have attempted life-saving measures.
When their mother, Shakina Rajendram, went into labour at just 21 weeks and five days, doctors told her that her babies were not viable and had a 0% chance of survival. This news devastated Mrs. Rajendram, especially since this was her second pregnancy and she had lost her first just a few months before in the same hospital near their home in Ontario.
In her own words: “No words could capture the emotional, mental and physical trauma we experienced in the moments that transpired.”
However, the family refused to give up hope and was able to transfer to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, which has a specialized neonatal intensive care unit. On the second day of labour- exactly 21 weeks and six days into the pregnancy, Mrs. Rajendram was told that if the twins were born even a few minutes before 22 weeks, they would be left to die. Despite heavy bleeding, she struggled to hold on for a few more hours. Miraculously, Mrs. Rajendram’s water eventually broke 15 minutes after midnight, and her babies arrived less than two hours after entering the 22nd week of pregnancy.
Early on, the twins faced serious medical issues and had to fight for their lives. According to their mother, they nearly died in front of their eyes several times. Kevin Nadarajah, their father, recalled the agony of those early days, saying he prayed with a “face streaming with tears” for their survival. The journey of the family demonstrated their incredible strength and determination.
A typical full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, making the babies 18 weeks premature. Most hospitals do not attempt to save babies born before 24 and 26 weeks. The fact that Adiah and Adrial survived and thrived is a testament to the incredible advances in medical technology and the dedicated teams of medical professionals who cared for them.
Now, at one year old, the twins are doing great and continue to be closely monitored by doctors. Their story is a beacon of hope for families facing similar challenges and a reminder of the power of hope, love, and the strength of the human spirit.
