Melanie and Martin Thornton were astounded when a 12-week medical scan showed that they would have three daughters. Melanie beat chances of 2,000,000-1 to produce three identical female triplets via spontaneous conception. Melanie miraculously conceived identical triplets naturally. Melanie Thornton, age 33, and her husband Martin, age 27, both are from Paignton, Devon. The couple began trying for a child early this year and discovered Melanie was pregnant on Valentine’s Day.

Melanie said, “I hated being pregnant the first time around, so I assumed that was it. My 13-year-old daughter Tia completed my family, but a few years ago, my husband expressed interest in having another child. He was able to convince me to have my implant removed, and around four months later, we were pregnant.” Melanie’s maternal instincts suggested she may be carrying many embryos, but a private check at five weeks convinced her that she was carrying a single embryo. When the couple walked in for their 12-week ultrasound at the Torbay hospital, doctors, who believed the couple must have already had a child, informed them that they were expecting triplets.

Melanie said, “I had repeated dreams in which the sonographer asked me, ‘Have you had? Are there several births in your family?’ So when we went for our 12-week ultrasound and doctor told us we were expecting triplets, I believed he was joking. Before the ultrasound, I had said that something felt quite different about this pregnancy. I said many times, “I’m sure there are more than one,” but I never mentioned triplets. I laughed out loud and said, “Where are the cameras?” I believed it must have been a prank or a trap.” Doctors cautioned the family about the hazards of multiple births and said during the whole pregnancy that the smallest child, Hope, was unlikely to live.

Melanie recalls, “It was difficult.” We were required to have scans every two weeks, and we were continuously warned about the death and mortality rates associated with triplets. They predicted that Hope would not survive till birth. From that point on, I waited practically daily for her death. I was sad for approximately a week before I recognized that, during that time, she was kicking harder and harder. I knew where each was located. I figured, if she wasn’t going to give up, neither would I. The lovely trio was delivered by C-section at 32 weeks and four days gestation on August 25.

Boe was born first, weighing 3lb 3oz, followed by Mika, weighing 3lb 1 oz, then tiny Hope, weighing just 2lb 13 oz. Melanie said, “I had previously seen images of preterm newborns, so I anticipated them to appear a little strange, but they were wonderfully formed, little babies. It was incredible. My children occupied the whole room. It was heartening to see how flawless they were and that they need no assistance with breathing or anything else – just a little tube for nourishment. They are such comfortable and cheerful infants. They like cuddling. They embrace one other and delight in holding hands. Their preferred position is with Mika in the center, holding both of their hands. I was unsure of whom to approach, touch, or speak with first.

Now we’ve got them home, everyone keeps offering to come round to help me because I have three, but they are great – they all slept through the night last night. If I split them up though they do start to cry – the closer together they are the better. My living room does look like Mother care and the washing machine is constantly on. When I’m feeding and burping them it is a lot of balancing, juggling and holding bottles, but of course it is worth it. I can’t really remember life when my family was half the size.” Melanie has even arranged special rubbish collections to deal with more than 250 dirty nappies a week, as well as ordering a special bumper pram for three. But the proud mum insists the mountains of dirty baby grows and endless feeds are all worth it for the adorable trio, who are happiest snuggled up together holding hands.