A 25-year-old woman in Mali gave birth to nine babies instead of her ultrasound’s prediction of seven.
On Tuesday, 4th May, Mali’s Ministry of Health and Social Development reported an unexpected case of nonuplets. This is the third time in history that a woman has given birth to nine babies.
The Minister of Health and Social Development is pleased to announce that this day May 04, 2021, H. Cisse gave birth, by cesarean section, of nine (9) newborns instead of seven (7) announced by the results of ultrasounds made in Mali as in Morocco. The newborns (five girls and four boys) and the mother are all doing well.
Government of Mali
An ultrasound had predicted that 25-year-old Halima Cisse would give birth to seven babies. However, multiple-fetal pregnancies often result in complications and require the greatest level of care. Since hospitals in Mali are not well-equipped to care for a pregnancy of this level, Mali’s government transferred her to a clinic in Morocco. An ultrasound conducted in Morocco further confirmed the presence of seven fetuses within Halima’s womb.
At 30th week of pregnancy, Halima began experiencing labor pains and heavy bleeding. She then immediately underwent an emergency cesarean section. A team of 10 doctors and 25 paramedics assisted the procedure. Much to everyone’s surprise, she gave birth to not seven, but nine babies. The five girls and four boys, each weighed between 500 grams to 1 kilogram. According to reports, both mother and babies are currently doing well.
Another World Record?
Although most instances of multiple pregnancies are a result of fertility treatment, it is unknown how the nonuplets in Halima’s cases came about. However, it is highly likely that is the main reason.
Previous births involving nonuplets have all resulted in complications, with the babies not surviving past a few hours. Moreover, premature birth increases the risk of medical complications in these babies, and they often don’t live long. Therefore, the babies will likely remain under strict monitoring for the next 2 to 3 months.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the Guinness Book of World Records is currently verifying Halima’s case for a record of most living births at once. American Nadya Suleman, who gave birth to eight healthy children in 2009, currently holds the world record.
Reference:
“COMMUNIQUE DU MINISTERE DE LA SANTE ET DU DEVELOPPEMENT SOCIAL SUR L’ACCOUCHEMENT DE MADAME HALIMA CISSE.” Ministère De La Santé Et De L’Hygiène Publique Du Mali, 4 May 2021, www.sante.gov.ml/index.php/actualites/item/6100-communique-du-ministere-de-la-sante-et-du-developpement-social-sur-l-accouchement-de-madame-halima-cisse.
