The McCaughey septuplets (in birth order--Kenneth Robert, Alexis May, Natalie Sue, Kelsey Ann, Nathan Roy, Brandon James, and Joel Steven) are the world's first surviving set of septuplets.

They were born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 19, 1997, nine weeks prematurely, to Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey (pronounced "McCoy"), residents of the nearby town of Carlisle. The septuplets have one older sister, Mikayla Marie (born January 3, 1996).

The septuplets were conceived as the result of fertility drugs. When the couple discovered that Bobbi was carrying seven fetuses, they declined selective reduction to reduce the number of fetuses, saying that they would "put it in God's hands." As the result of being born prematurely, several of the septuplets have medical problems; for example, Alexis and Nathan have cerebral palsy.

The birth attracted significant media attention, both positive and negative, including a feature in Time magazine in December 1997.^* The McCaugheys were the recipients of many generous donations, including a 5500ft² (511 m²) house, a van and a lifetime supply of diapers.

At birth, the septuplets weighed:

• Kenny: 3 lb. 4oz. (1.47 kg)
• Alexis: 2 lb. 11oz. (1.22 kg)
• Natalie: 2 lb. 10oz. (1.19 kg)
• Kelsey: 2 lb. 5oz. (1.05 kg)
• Nathan: 2 lb. 14oz. (1.30 kg)
• Brandon: 3 lb. 3oz. (1.45 kg)
• Joel: 2 lb. 15oz. (1.33 kg)

Bobbi McCaughey homeschooled most of the children for several years but all are now attending local public schools. They all studied violin during the academic year 2004-2005; several of the septuplets and Mikayla have continued for a second year.

The septuplets is loosely the base for the Simpsons episode Eight Misbehavin'. In 2006, the septuplets (along with Mikayla) made their debut in People Magazine's Remember the 90's! edition.

External links

• Guinness Entry
• Unofficial McCaugheys Septuplets Site M.U.M.S.S

1997 births | People from Iowa | Multiple births | Living people | World record holders | American children