What is it called when you have 6 babies at once?
An Overview of High-Order Multiple Births
Having six babies at once is a rare and unique experience that requires a lot of care and attention. High-order multiple births, also known as multiple births of high-order, refer to the birth of five or more babies at one time. Seventeen sets of septuplets (seven babies) have been documented worldwide, while octuplets (eight babies) and septuplets are even more rare.
The Record-Holders
The case of Gosiame Thamara Sithole, a South African woman who gave birth to decuplets (ten babies) in 2020, made international headlines. This exceptional pregnancy was a result of fertility treatments and surprised medical professionals worldwide. In recent years, there have been only a few documented cases of decuplets. The Guinness World Records database lists only 13 documented sets of decuplets, with an estimated global incidence of 1 in 47 million.
What is Sextuplet?
When six babies are born at one time, it is called a sextuplet birth. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that an average of 1 in 58,000 births in the United States result in sextuplets or higher-order multiples. While septuplets and octuplets are extremely rare, sextuplet births are more common, especially when assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) is involved.
Risk Factors
Multiple births, including sextuplets, are associated with increased maternal and fetal risks. These risks may include:
• Premature birth and low birth weight
• Increased risk of complications during delivery
• Increased risk of health problems for the mother (e.g., hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage)
• Higher risk of infant mortality
• Increased risk of developmental delays and other health issues in babies
Care and Support
Women carrying sextuplets or higher-order multiples require specialized care and attention throughout their pregnancy. Fetal monitoring, frequent prenatal appointments, and a multidisciplinary care team are essential to ensure a successful outcome. After birth, these multiples require intensive medical care, including neonatal intensive care and nutrition support.
Fascinating Facts
Here are some interesting facts about sextuplet and higher-order multiple births:
• 46% of sextuplets and 25% of septuplets are born prematurely (less than 37 weeks gestation)
• The average birth weight of a sextuplet is around 4.3 pounds (1.9 kg), while septuplets can weigh as little as 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) or more
• Babies born as sextuplets or higher-order multiples often require longer hospital stays, with an average stay of 28 days or more
• These rare births can lead to long-term health issues for the babies and their families, underscoring the importance of dedicated medical care and support
Conclusion
Having six babies at once, whether through natural conception or assisted reproduction, is a remarkable and complex event that demands careful planning, attention, and resources. While the risks are high, the rewards of parenthood far outweigh the challenges. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive understanding of sextuplet births, emphasizing the importance of specialized care and the support of medical professionals in achieving the best possible outcomes for these precious families.