A group of seven babies born during the same birth is officially called septuplets. While the phrase "7 twins" might colloquially refer to a simultaneous birth of seven infants, the precise term used in obstetrics and general language for this occurrence is septuplets.
Understanding Multiple Birth Terminology
The specific term used to describe a set of siblings born from the same pregnancy at the same time is determined by the number of individuals in that birth. This terminology provides a clear and universally understood classification:
- Twins: Two babies born together.
- Triplets: Three babies born together.
- Quadruplets: Four babies born together.
- Quintuplets: Five babies born together.
- Sextuplets: Six babies born together.
- Septuplets: Seven babies born together.
The word "septuplets" is derived from the Latin root "sept-", meaning seven, combined with the suffix "-uplets" used for multiple births.
The Rarity and Significance of Septuplets
Septuplet births are extremely rare, particularly without the assistance of fertility treatments. When they do occur, they are often a result of advanced reproductive technologies, which can increase the likelihood of multiple implantations. The successful birth and survival of septuplets represent a significant achievement in modern medicine due to the complexities involved.
A Historic Milestone: The McCaughey Septuplets
A prime example that highlights the term and the medical marvel of septuplets is the case of the McCaughey family:
- The McCaughey septuplets were born on November 19, 1997, in Des Moines, Iowa. Their birth gained global attention as they were the world's first surviving set of septuplets. This event underscored advancements in neonatal care and the challenges associated with delivering and raising a large family of higher-order multiples.
Key Considerations for Higher-Order Multiple Births
Higher-order multiple births, such as septuplets, come with distinct medical and developmental considerations:
- Prematurity: It is highly common for septuplets to be born significantly prematurely, often requiring extended stays in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Low Birth Weight: Due to the shared uterine environment and early arrival, individual septuplets typically have very low birth weights, increasing their vulnerability to various health issues.
- Intensive Medical Care: The successful survival and healthy development of septuplets necessitate highly specialized medical care, including respiratory support, nutritional management, and close monitoring.
- Developmental Milestones: While many higher-order multiples thrive, they may experience delays in achieving certain developmental milestones compared to single-birth children, particularly in their early years.
| Number of Babies | Term for Simultaneous Birth |
|---|---|
| 1 | Single |
| 2 | Twins |
| 3 | Triplets |
| 4 | Quadruplets |
| 5 | Quintuplets |
| 6 | Sextuplets |
| 7 | Septuplets |
Understanding these specific terms not only clarifies the nomenclature of multiple births but also emphasizes the extraordinary nature of large families born at once.
