0.8 lb (362.9g)12-week Premature Baby Is The Smallest To Ever Make It

There are very few things as magical as childbirth. The process of bringing a baby into this world, having carried it carefully for nine months, is one which leaves people in awe.

Nevertheless, there are few births as unbelievable as that of Manushi, who was born twelve weeks prematurely, weighing a surprising 0.4kg (0.8lbs), when the average weight of a healthy baby is usually between 2.7 and 4.1kg (6-9lbs).

Still, despite Manushi's highly concerning weight, due to which doctors gave her a 0.5% chance of survival, the baby is now six-months-old and finally allowed to leave the hospital where she has spent her life so far.

Manushi’s was born unexpectedly on June 15 after her 48-year-old mother, Seeta’s blood pressure started to rise dramatically. Worried about the health of mother and baby, the doctors did an ultrasound which showed an absence of blood flow to the fetus.

With almost no time to act, doctors decided to deliver the baby twelve weeks early by C-section at the hospital in Rajasthan, India. They thought that the baby wouldn't survive the ordeal, but Manushi was obviously meant to be for our world as she managed to breathe independently – even with difficulty.

At the time of her birth, the baby’s brain, kidney, lungs, and heart were underdeveloped, which means that she needed to be quickly moved to a ventilator that would keep her organs functioning. Her paper-thin skin was also a worry for doctors who were certain that Manushi would not survive the traumatic events.

At only 8.6 inches, her tiny frame was unbelievably fragile and required extra attention from medical professionals. As Dr. Sunil Janged said:

“She was struggling to breathe, so was immediately put on advanced respiratory support ventilator to expand her tiny, immature lungs.”

“We had to start the baby on total parenteral nutrition, which basically means giving all the essential nutrients such as amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals and multivitamins directly into blood circulation [sic].”

Because of Manushi’s intense medical needs, the bill for her care reached Rs 1,000,000 ($15,746), that was fortunately covered by the hospital due to the parent’s low income. As Dr. Janged explained:

“We decided to save the life of the baby and offer her necessary medical care and attention because we wanted to send out a message that a girl child must be protected. In a state like Rajasthan where female infanticide is rampant, people have to come forward and take [a] step to end this evil practice.”

Manushi, who is now six-months-old is believed to be developing normally.

There's no doubt that the tiny tot will need further medical assistance, but meanwhile, she appears to be happy and healthy.

In the meantime, other babies around the world are experiencing difficulties of equal measure, as shown in the following heartbreaking video recorded by a young mother before she places her baby up for adoption:

The clip is sad and very difficult to watch, but we applaud the mother’s bravery in a tough time.

Reference: Viralthread