PHX Reporter

Rachel and Marco Vargas of Cranston, Rhode Island, have returned home after the discharge of their quadruplets from Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. The couple, who went through a challenging pregnancy, sought the expertise of Dr. John Elliott. He is a multiple birth specialist at the medical center and noted that the odds of Rachel's pregnancy and delivery occurring are about one in 40 million.

“We’re so excited to start this new chapter of our lives with little Sofía, Philomena, Veronica, and Isabel,” Rachel stated. She expressed gratitude toward Dr. Elliott and the medical center for their care.

Dr. Elliott, acknowledged for his experience in delivering high-order multiples, remarked on the uniqueness of Rachel's case. The pregnancy's complexity included two babies sharing an amniotic sac and a velamentous cord insertion, posing a high risk to the fetuses. Additionally, two babies were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a serious condition among identical twins.

“With all the complications involved in Rachel’s pregnancy, we were very candid about the risks and potential outcomes, but we also underscored the importance of having a positive outlook,” said Dr. Elliott.

Born at 30 weeks, the quadruplets required care in the neonatal intensive care unit before being discharged in late March. Dr. Suma Rao, medical director of the neonatal ICU, commented on the privilege of caring for the infants. “These kinds of pregnancies can be quite scary for the parents and family members, so we are thrilled that they are all back home now with their healthy girls.”

Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is recognized for its advanced care and status as a Level IV perinatal care center, among other distinctions. The hospital is part of the larger Banner Health system, which provides medical services across the Southwest.