Smallest ever baby leaves hospital after 13 months
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The reading
The world's smallest baby has left hospital after 13 months. Baby Kwek Yu Xuan weighed just 212 grams when she was born at the Singapore National University Hospital on June the 9th, 2020. She was born prematurely at around 25 weeks. This is a lot earlier than the standard 40 weeks. She measured just 24 centimeters. When she was born, doctors gave her a "limited chance of survival". She spent over a year in hospital. Expert baby doctors did everything they could to keep Yu Xuan alive. Her doctors said: "We are happy for the little fighter and her family, and proud of the care provided by our team. Our best wishes to little Yu Xuan as she continues to grow, thrive and beat the odds every day."
Yu Xuan's mother thanked hospital staff for keeping her daughter alive. She gave birth to Yu Xuan early because she had dangerously high blood pressure. She said: "We are very grateful to the doctors and nurses of the hospital neonatal intensive care unit team for the attentive and wonderful medical care and treatment of Yu Xuan." There is a long journey ahead for Yu Xuan as she recovers. She has a serious lung disease and other medical problems. She has a special machine at home to help her breathe. Her doctors said she would slowly get better with time. They added: "She has inspired people around her with her perseverance." They called her "an extraordinary 'Covid-19' baby" and "a ray of hope".
Sources:
- https://www.newsweek.com/smallest-baby-ever-weigh-apple-hospital-singapore-1617455
- https://www.foxnews.com/health/worlds-smallest-infant-discharged-hospital-13-months
- https://metro.co.uk/2021/08/09/smallest-ever-newborn-is-allowed-home-after-13-months-in-hospital-15061335/
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