Christmas came early for a couple from Larbert when their triplets arrived earlier than planned. Plans had originally been made for Mum Fiona Zebik (37) to give birth on 9 January 2025. However, the babies had other ideas and she ended up giving birth on 16 December 2024 after attending Forth Valley Royal Hospital for a scan.

After reviewing the scan, staff decided that she should be admitted immediately, and she gave birth later that evening to baby daughter Romy and Raye and son Louie. As the delivery was earlier than originally planned many staff from the maternity unit came together to ensure sufficient staffing was in place for both for the delivery and follow up care in the neonatal unit.

A total 21 staff were involved in the delivery of the triplets who were born at just over 30 weeks gestation. The team included obstetricians, paediatricians, neonatal nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers. Baby Romy was the first baby to be delivered at 20.23 and weighed 3lb 6 ounces. She was quickly followed by her sister baby Raye who weighted 2lbs 9 ounces at 20.25 and brother Louie was the last to be delivered at 20.28, weighing 3lb 5 ounces.

Kirsty MacInnes, NHS Forth Valley’s Service Manager/Senior Midwife for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Sexual Health Services, said: “It was a real team effort, and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved who went above and beyond to ensure the safe delivery of these triplets who kept us all on our toes by deciding they wanted to join in on the festivities early.”

Mum Fiona and dad Ricki Zebik are delighted that all three babies are doing well, despite arriving slightly earlier than planned. Fiona Zebik, explained: “I was only expecting to pop into the hospital for a scan on the Monday and was looking forward to going home to get organised for the delivery a few weeks later however things didn’t quite go according to plan as the staff decided the babies were on their way and should be delivered that day.

“The staff have been fantastic and Ricki and I would like to thank everyone involved in caring for me and the triplets during the pregnancy, delivery and in the Neonatal Unit.”

The triplets are expected to remain in the Neonatal Unit for the next few weeks so staff can provide specialist care and support to help them gain strength and weight so they are well enough to return home in the New Year.

Although triplets are a relatively rare occurrence this is the second set of triplets born at Forth Valley Royal Hospital this year as Alexia and Jordan Lyons welcomed identical triplet girls Francesca, Vanessa and Alyssa on 27 June 2024. The Lyons triplets spent the next 29 days in hospital before being taken home to New Carron Village a couple of weeks before their actual due date in August 2024.

NHSFV staff with Ricki and Fiona Zebik and triplets