In a story that continues to amaze the world, 39-year-old Mariam Nabatanzi from Uganda has given birth to an astonishing 38 children — all from the same father.
Married off at just 13, Mariam dreamed of having a small family of six. But a rare medical condition known as hyperovulation — the release of multiple eggs during ovulation — made that impossible. Each time she became pregnant, it resulted in twins, triplets, or even quadruplets.
Over the years, Mariam has delivered six sets of twins, four sets of triplets, three sets of quadruplets, and several single births. Ten of her children are girls, while the rest are boys. Her oldest child is now 23, and her youngest is just four months old.
Doctors say hyperovulation can be hereditary, meaning it may run in families. It’s also influenced by hormonal and environmental factors. In some regions, like among the Yoruba people of West Africa, high twin birth rates have been linked to compounds found in yams, a dietary staple.
Mariam’s attempts at birth control ended in failure — and danger. “I tried pills and injections, but they didn’t work. I even used the vaginal ring once, but it nearly killed me,” she explained. “So I stopped.”
Her husband, she says, is largely absent, leaving Mariam to raise their 38 children alone. She works tirelessly, taking on odd jobs to provide food, clothing, and schooling for them. Despite the hardships, she speaks with gratitude and strength:
“My children are a blessing, not a burden.”
Mariam Nabatanzi’s extraordinary story is a testament to human resilience — a mother’s unwavering love against all odds.
