Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Premature baby born 16 weeks early weighing 300 grams now fit and healthy

A premature baby born 16 weeks early weighing less than a small paperback book has survived after extensive medical care.

Born in northern Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the baby weighed just 300 grams. The worldwide survival rate of infants born at this low of a weight is only 25 per cent.

The newborn was successfully delivered by staff at Magdeburg University Hospital and spent months in the level one perinatal centre before going home.

As the hospital’s senior physician, Dr Ralf Bottger oversaw the baby’s care alongside a team of other doctors, therapists and nurses. Support was also provided to the baby’s family, who wish to remain anonymous to protect their child’s identity.

“Treating a newborn weighing only 300 grams places the highest demands on equipment and the team: ventilation, feeding via infusions, and protecting the sensitive skin and organs require an extremely precise and careful approach,” Dr Bottger said.

“The child was on artificial ventilation for seven weeks before it was able to breathe independently,” he said.

The baby was allowed to return home nine weeks after its calculated due date.

In a statement, the hospital said even though the birth was extremely early, there were no serious complications, and premature birth-related retinal changes were treated with medication.

During the treatment, the baby’s parents were able to be closely involved, which the hospital said helped promote bonding between them as well as strengthen their confidence in caring for the child.

The hospital said this process required a great deal of time, energy and dedication from the parents, who were present the entire time and had “great love and understanding for the situation”.

Since discharge, the child has hit key development milestones and is healthy.

The family provided a recent photo of the child climbing a ladder.

The hospital said the baby’s story demonstrates how “years of expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and intensive involvement of the parents can save lives”.

“Even after discharge, the team continues to support the family in their home environment.”