2025 Annual Report

TECHNOLOG ADVANCEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP WORLD- RECORD-BREAKING QUADRUPLETS

In the early morning hours of Friday, May 31, 2024, around 30 maternal-fetal and neonatology experts filled an operating room at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. They were called in for an emergency cesarean delivery of quadruplets who were only 23 weeks and four days’ gestation. As the babies were quickly delivered, the interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists jumped into action, fighting to keep the babies alive. Little did they know, they had delivered — and were going to save — the Guinness World Records title holders for the most premature quadruplets, breaking the record set back in 1997. “When Lainey, Kali, Lennon and Koen were born, they were 115 days premature,” said Becca Bryant, the quads’ mom. “A year later, we were surrounded by family and friends to celebrate their first birthday. It was a moment we were not sure we’d ever see.”

TWO PLUS TWO EQUALS FOUR

In February 2024, Becca and Lavareis Bryant attended a routine ultrasound appointment in their hometown of Auburn, Alabama. With three older children, the couple was excited to get their first glance at their fourth baby. They were also nervous as they had recently experienced a miscarriage. “The ultrasound tech started moving the machine around, and I started to notice one big spot and two smaller ones,” Lavareis said. “The next thing I know, she’s counting — 1 … 2 … 3 … 4!”

They stared at each other in disbelief. The final baby of the family was actually four babies. Becca’s pregnancy was now considered high-risk. Her obstetrician referred her to the UAB maternal-fetal medicine team, who specializes in high-risk obstetrics and unique pregnancies.

35

2025 ACADEMIC ANNUAL REPORT