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Septuplets 'warm, pink and comfortable'
Doctor cautiously optimistic about survival
DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) -- The seven McCaughey babies were "warm, pink and comfortable," their doctor said Thursday afternoon.
Dr. Robert Shaw, a neonatologist at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, said the world's only septuplets were in serious condition. Little Joel, whose condition had worsened to critical shortly after birth Wednesday, has been upgraded to serious.
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Shaw said Joel showed evidence of bleeding but responded well to a transfusion. He said an examination showed that the baby was not suffering from bleeding into the brain, which can be a serious complication in premature newborns.
Shaw expressed "cautious optimism" about the babies' chances for survival. While the babies were suffering breathing problems, as would be expected in a premature birth, the medical team caring for them has so far not detected any other complications.
Dr. Robert Shaw talks about plans for the McCaughey septuplets 
633K/29 sec. AIFF or WAV sound "In my 17 years as a neonatologist, I've learned, above all else, that premature babies are not predictable," Shaw said. "We're very encouraged at the start that they're off to and the progress that they've made. We have extremely high expectations for them, and we think they will meet them."
The septuplets' doctors give an update on their condition
Shaw also disclosed the "Apgar" scores -- numeric ratings scored within the first few minutes of birth on most U.S. newborns which measures heart rate, muscle tone, color, motor reactions and breathing.
The babies scored from six to nine one minute after birth and nine after five minutes. A score of seven to ten indicates a well baby.
"Everything we have observed at this point is consistent with their gestational age," Shaw added. "We're amazed that they continued to grow this late in gestation and have seemingly thrived in that environment."
Babies on respirators
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Shaw said the seven babies -- Kenneth, Nathaniel, Brandon, Joel, Kelsey, Natalie and Alexis -- were breathing on their own to some extent. However, he said they were also still reliant on mechanical respirators.
"All seven of the babies do have some degree of respiratory distress syndrome," he said, adding that they would remain on respirators for four or five days before being weaned from the devices.
At that point, they could start feeding, which would be the next important milestone on their path to full development.
"Each of the babies will declare themselves in terms of their own capabilities," he said, adding that they will likely be hospitalized eight to 10 weeks.
The nurses taking care of the babies reported that they are able to grab hold of a nurse's finger with their hands -- but that their tiny hands aren't yet big enough to go all the way around the finger.
Blank said it could be months, or perhaps even years, before doctors know for sure whether the babies suffer from any eye problems or developmental disabilities.
While children in multiple births do tend to have a higher risk for disabilities, Blank said that because septuplets are so rare, doctors can't predict what the impact might be on the McCaughey babies.
Parents get White House congratulations
While members of the medical team that helped deliver and care for the babies met with reporters, the parents, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey, were receiving a congratulatory phone call from President Clinton.
The president invited the family of ten -- there is a two-year old daughter -- to visit the White House when they find a stroller that holds seven.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad had already visited the family at the hospital.
Mrs. McCaughey was reported by family members as being very tired and weak. Confined to her bed in the months before the birth, she lost muscle mass and will have to undergo physical therapy to regain her strength. She has been visiting the children, though she cannot hold them yet.
The family was being showered with gifts, including a new house, a year's supply of groceries, a year's worth of disposable diapers and a 15-seat Chevrolet Express van.
Some of the offers the McCaugheys have received: • GEICO Direct: Car seats
• Gerber Foods: Baby food
• Toys R Us: Car seats, strollers
• Carlisle Foods: Groceries
• Hy Vee Foods: Groceries for the next year
• Mid-America Energy: Heating and cooling costs for a period of time
• Proctor and Gamble: Lifetime supply of Pampers
• H.G. Heinz: Lifetime food supply
• TCI: TV, VCR, seven years of free cable
• Disney: Gifts for the parents' 2-year-old
• Chevrolet Motor Division: 15-passenger 1998 Chevrolet Express Van
• Local businessman: Computer
• Architect: Home design services
Members of the parents' extended family, including great-grandfather Harold Smith, crowded onto the stage of the press conference to express their gratitude.
"I just can't wait for what the future has in store for this family. It's going to be very exciting," said Jason McCaughey, Kenny McCaughey's brother.
Message Board:
Related stories:
- Septuplets heartache: the Frustaci story - November 20, 1997
- Doctor optimistic about Iowa septuplets' progress - November 20, 1997
- Septuplets survive 'miracle' birth - November 19, 1997
Related sites:
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- Iowa Health System
- Twins & Multiple Births Association
- The Parenting Community: Parents Place
- Family Resource Online
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine
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