World around us: Italian woman gives birth to sextuplets

A 32-year-old Italian woman has given birth to sextuplets in the southern Italian city of Benevento, the head of the maternity ward where the babies came into the world told journalists on Monday.

Carmela Oliva had six babies by caesarian section on Sunday. The births are Italy's first sextuplets since 1997.

"The newborns will stay in the hospital for three months. As far as their chances for survival are concerned, at least a month is required before we can give a final answer," Luigi Orfeo said.

The babies were born 13 weeks premature and weigh from 600 to 800 grams (1.3-1.8 lbs). They are currently on assisted breathing apparatus. Their mother is in intensive care following the delivery.

The father, unemployed construction worker Pino Mele, has asked for assistance from the state.

The chance of a woman giving birth to sextuplets is about one in 4 million. As sextuplets are usually born prematurely, the survival rate is low.

via World around us: Italian woman gives birth to sextuplets.