The World's First Surviving Septuplets Have Turned 18 Now

#1 November 19, 1997

The septuplets were born to Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey after she took fertility drugs.

Bobbi and her husband Kenny declined selective reduction after learning they were pregnant with seven children following fertility treatment, saying it was 'in God's hands'.

It was a controversial move at the time and one that garnered the couple much criticism.

The septuplets were born nine weeks prematurely on November 19, 1997, in Des Moines, Iowa.

#2 Survivors

Doctors were worried they wouldn't survive their first few days out of the womb when they were famously brought into the world in 1997.

But not only did the McCaughey septuplets make it, they flourished, they have turned 18.

Kenny, Kelsey, Natalie, Brandon, Alexis, Nathan and Joel - the world's first septuplets to survive infancy.

#3 Early days

During the early months, the septuplets drank 42 bottles a day and went through 52 diapers.

But over the years, the media coverage has waned and the coupons for free food have run out - encouraging the family to be frugal.

And from their early teenage years, the septuplets have been helping out the family by carrying out chores, such as their own laundry.

It's no easy task feeding a family with eight children, but the McCaughey's manage just fine.

#4 All grown up

They have turned 18 now. In this picture, the McCaughey septuplets are with their parents, Kenny and Bobbi, center, and their big sister Mikayla back left. They are seen here before their 16th birthday in 2013.

The family still lives in the same house that was donated after the births and continues to use the same van.

Bobbi McCaughey said that it was that support that got them through with raising the three four boys and three girls.

The couple also has an older daughter, Mikayla, who is married.

#5 Happy and healthy

Natalie, left in hospital and right today, is a promising student who enjoys studying.

#6 Strong

Brandon, pictured left in hospital and right today, enjoys wrestling and is described as 'stubborn and strong'.

#7 Tiny

Kelsey was the lightest baby at 2lb 5oz but she now enjoys soccer.

#8 Class clown

Kenny Jr. is described as the funny one of the family who is quick to speak up.

#9 Fighter

Alexis, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is in cheerleading as a manager and hopes to be a teacher.

#10 Impressive

Nathan, who also has cerebral palsy, hopes for a career in science after school.

#11 Last but not least

Joel was the 8th to be born, weighing just 2lbs 15oz. He now runs track.

#12 It hasn't been without struggle

The children are now looking to what to do with their lives. But looking back, they are grateful for the situation they were born into. For Kelsey, there has nothing terrible about her upbringing as a septuplet.