Healthy identical triplets have been born in a case considered rarer than winning the lottery.
The three boys were conceived naturally, making it even rarer than most other instances.
Hardy, Levi and Bernie are ready to leave the hospital in time for Christmas.
The triplets were born at the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital in Dresden, Germany, on 7 November.
Hardy weighed 2.66lbs (1.21kg) and measured 37cm, Levi weighed 2.51lbs (1.14kg) and measured 34cm, and Bernie weighed 2.16lbs (980g) and measured 34.5cm.
The fact that the little ones developed from a single fertilised egg is considered extraordinary.
A hospital spokesperson explained: “Triplets usually develop from two or three separate eggs; in this case, one egg divided twice.”
It’s even rarer that they were conceived without artificial insemination.
The hospital said: “The so-called monochorionic-triamniotic triplet pregnancy is a rarity, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 600,000 births.
“But in this case, it occurred spontaneously, without any assisted reproductive technology.”
Experts estimate that the odds of identical twins being born under such circumstances are around 200-million-to-one, as reported by Need To Know.
Winning the jackpot, plus the bonus number, has a statistical probability of 1 in 140 million.
The babies were delivered by caesarean section in the 31st week of pregnancy.
A medical team of nearly 20 people was present at the birth.
Prof Mario Rüdiger, head of neonatology at the University Hospital, said: “Despite the early stage of pregnancy, the boys were in good health.
“Nevertheless, as very premature infants, they required special care.
“Before they can go home, they should be able to grow, breathe independently, eat, and regulate their own body temperature.”
Parents Markus, 35, and Synthia, 29, are looking forward to taking their babies home to Dippoldiswalde for Christmas!
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