decuplets

Decuplets are a set of ten offspring born from a single pregnancy. The term is used in both human medicine and zoology to describe one birth event that yields ten individuals. In humans, decuplets are extraordinarily rare; in animals, large litters occur more commonly but ten offspring at once is still uncommon.

In humans, the likelihood of decuplets increases with fertility treatments that stimulate ovulation or involve multiple embryo transfers, and with certain maternal factors. In animals, decuplets occur more readily in some species with natural or assisted reproduction, such as cattle, goats, and sheep, though viability of all ten offspring can be variable.

Pregnancy involving ten fetuses is generally considered high risk. Complications can include preterm labor, preeclampsia, placenta previa or accreta, and growth discord among fetuses. Because of the large number of fetuses and the size of the uterus, many decuplet pregnancies are managed with planned cesarean delivery. Neonatal care typically involves specialized intensive care for premature or very low birth weight infants, with close attention to respiratory function, temperature regulation, and feeding.

Prognosis varies widely and depends on gestational age at birth, birth weights, and the presence of complications. Historically, perinatal mortality was high, but advances in obstetric and neonatal care have improved outcomes for high-order multiples. The broader medical and ethical discussion surrounding multiple gestations emphasizes careful counseling, prenatal monitoring, and consideration of fetal and maternal health risks.