US woman gives birth to octuplets

A woman in California has given birth to eight babies, marking only the second time in US history that octuplets have survived for more than a few hours.

The six boys and two girls, weighing between 1lb 8oz and 3lb 4oz, were delivered in five minutes by Caesarean section at a hospital near Los Angeles, according to PA.

The 46-member medical team revealed that they were stunned by the arrival of the eighth baby after preparing themselves to deliver seven.

Three of the newborns have been placed on ventilators after experiencing breathing difficulties and all eight infants will remain in incubators for at least six weeks.

Neo-natalogist Dr. Mandhir Gupta said that the mother was a "very strong woman", adding: "She probably will be able to handle all eight babies."

The hospital has declined to reveal any further details about the mother, including whether she used fertility drugs, but a spokesman said that she planned to breastfeed all eight children.

Nigerian-born Nkem Chukwu became the first person to give birth to live octuplets in the US in 1998, but the smallest baby died one week later after suffering heart and lung failure.