California woman has 8 babies in 5 minutes

[Kamal]

California woman has 8 babies in 5 minutes
Associated Press

Tuesday, January 27, 2009


(01-27) 04:00 PST Bellflower, Los Angeles County --

A woman gave birth Monday to eight babies in a span of five minutes, only the second time in history live octuplets have been born, doctors said.

The mother, who has not been identified, gave birth by cesarean section to six boys and two girls weighing between 1.8 pounds and 3.4 pounds, said doctors at Kaiser Permanante Medical Center.

"It's a surprise," said Dr. Karen Maples. "Eight newborns are in stable condition and they're doing quite well."

Kaiser spokeswoman Myra Suarez said she could not release any information about the mother, including her condition or whether she used fertility drugs.


The first live-born octuplets were born in Houston in December 1998. They were three months premature and their weights ranged from 11 ounces to 1 pound, 11 ounces. The tiniest infant died of heart and lung failure a week after being born. The surviving siblings turned 10 in December.

Their mother and father, Nkem Chukwu and Iyke Louis Udobi, said they are astonished and grateful their children have grown up to be healthy and active.

Dr. Richard Paulson, director of the fertility program at the University of Southern California, said that if the babies were born prematurely they may face serious health risks. The mother faces an increased risk of hemorrhage, Paulson said.

"It's a risky decision to try to have all eight babies," said Paulson, who had no role in the delivery. "I would not recommend it under any circumstances, but I respect a parent's decision."

[Waxbaro!]

She is lucky to have 8 babies at once...
But does she become pregnant next time?!