Fifty years ago, a baby born at 22 weeks didn’t have a very significant chance for survival.
It wasn’t until the early 1970s that specialized equipment was developed to take care of the tiniest babies. Until then, premature babies, or preemies, were treated with equipment that was modified from the adult-sized version.
One of the dangers preemies faced in great numbers was neonatal respiratory distress.
Fortunately, the current medical landscape now has the appropriate protocols to treat this complication in babies whose lungs have not fully developed in the womb.
Today, in 2016, the 22-week-old baby has not only an excellent chance of surviving, but also of avoiding serious conditions like neonatal respiratory distress and thriving well into life.
For this writer, it’s a deeply personal issue.
Last October, my nephew’s baby was born eight weeks early at 3.5 pounds. Happily, he is one of the thrivers and is doing well, mostly because he received excellent care in the hospital’s neonatal unit. His heart, respiration, body temperature, and all vital signs were monitored around the clock, and as soon as he was able, he began skin-to-skin therapy with both my nephew and his wife. And I admit, the entire family prayed. A lot.
In some countries, parents have to request doctors treat their less-than-22-week-old babies, but in the US, parents and doctors work together to determine the best course of action.
If the baby has a chance of surviving, every effort is made to help them thrive.
Saving these babies carries with it an enormous risk–some grow up with severe disabilities, even to the point of never being able to care for themselves. Another issue is that the financial burden parents will carry is astronomical, but making the determination to “let go” is devastating, no matter the circumstances.
On a lighter note, my niece–cousin to my nephew–was born at one pound, nine ounces, and today, she is a vibrant, healthy, smart, kind, and lovely young woman. So for all parents of preemies, hold on to hope. You might just be amazed!
