First Triplets Born at Ascension Seton Williamson

For years, Maria Isokpunwu and her husband, Cystus Isokpunwu, dreamed of becoming parents. Living in Manor, Texas, the couple underwent multiple rounds of fertility treatments. When those treatments proved unsuccessful, they paused to pay down medical expenses, planning to try again later.

Then, in August 2025, everything changed.

After experiencing sudden lower abdominal pain, Maria contacted the care team who had previously treated her. Bloodwork showed elevated pregnancy hormone levels, and an ultrasound revealed something she never expected.

"He told me he saw three gestational sacs," Maria recalled.

"Sacs of what?" she asked.

They were babies.

"I was excited that I was pregnant, but three was not the plan," Maria said. "I was asking for one."

Additional testing confirmed all three babies were developing normally. After years of fertility struggles, Maria had spontaneously conceived triplets without additional intervention. 

Coordinated care for triplet pregnancy

Maria was referred to Richard Benedict, MD, an OB-GYN at Ascension Medical Group Seton Women’s Health - Williamson. Because carrying triplets presents added risks, Dr. Benedict partnered closely with Ascension Seton maternal-fetal medicine specialists in Austin, monitoring the babies' growth through ultrasounds and specialized testing The delivery would mark the first triplet birth at Ascension Seton Williamson.

Maria said the coordinated communication between her maternity care team gave her confidence every step of the way.

"I couldn't ask for a better doctor," she said. "Even the questions I thought were silly, he explained in detail."

Preparing for a high-risk delivery

Long before the delivery, Dr. Benedict and a multidisciplinary care team - including obstetricians, labor and delivery nurses, anesthesia providers, and neonatal specialists, coordinated every detail. Weeks before birth, Dr. Benedict met with the NICU team to walk through each step. 

"The biggest thing you can do is anticipate," Dr. Benedict said. "You anticipate what could go wrong, what's likely to go wrong and what you hope doesn't go wrong, but you prepare for it anyway."

On April 16, 2026, the Isokpunwus welcomed their three babies (in order of birth): Osayui Chiemezie Isokpunwu, a boy; Osayimwense Chiamamda Isokpunwu, a girl; and Osagiede Chibuokem Isokpunwu, a boy.

Though Maria felt anxious before her cesarean section, the care team kept her grounded. A staff member held her hand while nurses reassured her. Two nurses even came in on their day off to assist with the delivery.

"The team eased my fear," Maria said. "They told me not to worry and that they would take care of everything."

All three babies were born healthy. After a brief NICU stay for one of the triplets, the family was together. 

Recognizing postpartum complications

While the delivery went as planned, Maria soon developed a serious postpartum complication.

Dr. Benedict recognized early signs of HELLP syndrome, a condition affecting blood clotting. Having anticipated potential complications, the care team had blood products ready before surgery. When Maria experienced severe postpartum hemorrhage, the team initiated a massive transfusion protocol and transferred her to the intensive care unit (ICU). She recovered swiftly and was discharged a few days later. 

"It was a total team effort," Dr. Benedict said. "What ultimately saved the patient was that teamwork—that willingness for everybody to jump in and help.”

For Maria, the compassion stood out as much as the clinical care.While recovering in the ICU, one nurse quietly tiptoed through her room so she could rest, and another returned on a day off simply to check on her.

"I don't have the words to explain how good that team was," Maria said. "My babies and I are grateful for them, and God bless them."

Growing with Central Texas families

Today, Maria and Cystus are adjusting to life with Osayui, Osayimwense and Osagiede in Manor. Dr. Benedict hopes Maria’s experience serves as an important reminder for expectant mothers.

"Don't ignore symptoms," he said. "If you feel something is wrong, contact your doctor immediately. We'd much rather evaluate a concern early than have someone wait until it becomes something more serious."

Maria's story coincides with Ascension Seton Williamson’s opening of its expanded patient tower, increasing capacity to care for the growth in Williamson County.

This blog is intended for general informational use. Any health-related information shared is not meant to provide or replace professional medical advice and does not establish a patient-provider relationship. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.