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Irish Twins Born 87 Days Apart Set World Record

By Michelle Meagher, Editorial Assistant
June / July 2013

May 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Waterford twins Katie and Amy Jones-Elliott are headed to the Guinness Book of Records after they were born 87 days apart.

As reported by the Irish Mirror, Maria Jones-Elliott, went into labor after four months of pregnancy but gave birth to only one of her daughters, Amy, at a slight 1 lb. 3 oz. Katie would not arrive until three months later.

The chances of survival for both girls were minimal, but they overcame all odds. Their doctors told the Irish Mirror that the Jones-Elliotts have “achieved the medical equivalent to the lottery.” Maria said, “I call the girls our little miracles. [When] I held Amy for the first time I stroked my bump and prayed to God. I just wanted my girls to be together and safe and well.”

On August 27, 87 days after Amy was born, Maria was induced and gave birth to Katie at 5 lbs. 10 oz. Katie was put into her sister’s incubator and, according to Maria, Amy immediately smiled. The twins’ father, Chris, expressed gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Waterford Regional Hospital, saying “The medical team did an incredible job.”

The Guinness Book of Records is waiting for formal confirmation of the 87 days before they can officially set the twins’ record. Until Amy and Katie, the record was held by Peggy Lynn of Danville, Pennsylvania, who gave birth to twins Eric and Hannah 84 days apart, in November 1995 and February 1996.

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