CA Woman Gives Birth To Eight Babies

A southern California woman has given birth to octuplets, eight babies, at one time.

All are in the hospital, but doctors say they see no reason why all eight should not survive.

Dr. Mandhir Gupta says "we want to make sure their vital signs remain stable."

For neonatologist Mandhir Gupta and the team of 46 medical professionals at Kaiser Bellflower, it was a delivery like no other ever before anywhere.

Eight babies by c-section, six boys, two girls brought forth from their mother in just five minutes.

Dr. Karen Maples says "all live born, very vigorous. It was a truly amazing delivery."

The mother had been admitted to the hospital seven weeks in advance of delivery. She was given spinal anesthesia and was conscious throughout.

Dr. Gupta says "she could hear the babies. She could hear then screaming and crying which also helped her because she knew the babies were coming out and they were coming out good."

The Bellflower octuplets were born nine weeks premature, birthweight ranging from a high of three and a quarter pounds down to only one and a half pounds.

All are in neonatal ICU incubators, two breathing with the assistance of ventilators.

Dr. Gupta says "first three to seven days are very critical. Once we are past that time we'll have a much better idea."

The hospital said at the family's request, it's not releasing newborn pictures, nor any background information on the mother, nor discussing any role of fertility treatment.

Dr. Harold Henry says "the family has requested that information be limited to her clinical course."

The doctors did reveal they did go in expecting to make seven deliveries, but they learned the ultrasound missed someone.

Dr. Gupta says "it was shocking for the first few seconds then it was excitement and we need to manage that baby, and we managed that baby very, very well."

It's expected the newborns will need to spend at least eight to ten weeks in the hospital before they can go home.