We all know what twins and triplets are. Most of us are familiar with terms quadruplets and quintuplets. But what is word to describe nine babies being born at same time? The answer is... nonuplets. 25-year-old Malian woman, Halima Cisse, has given birth to nine healthy babies. This is new record. previous record was by woman in the US who delivered eight babies (octuplets) at single birth. People in Mali were avidly following the progress of Ms Cisse's pregnancy and she was inundated with well wishes. Malians were not the only ones who were pleasantly surprised when doctors announced nonuplets. Ms Cisse was told she was only carrying seven babies (septuplets) after having scans.
Ms Cisse's husband told BBC that she is in good health and that babies (five boys and four girls) were doing well. Fanta Siby, Mali's health minister, congratulated couple on the "happy outcome". He also praised medical teams in Morocco, which is where Ms Cisse gave birth. He also thanked Mali's president for "political leadership and generosity" which "expedited" support for Halima. The outcome is wonderful news as it was little touch-and-go in early stages of pregnancy. Gynecologists in Mali were concerned about Ms Cisse's welfare and chances of her babies' survival. They sought the help of hospital in Morocco where they believed she would receive better pre- and postnatal care.
