'Miracle' baby leaves hospital after birth at 22 weeks

A little boy's survival has been dubbed a 'miracle' after his discharge from the NICU this week.

Key Takeaways:

• Baby Isaac became the youngest baby at University Hospital in Coventry to survive, after his birth at 22 weeks.

• Isaac's parents have credited the hospital team for their "amazing" care, and call his survival a "miracle."

• Abortion is permitted until 24 weeks in the UK, because that is considered the point of "viability;" stories like Isaac's show that this is an arbitrary term.

• A recent study in the U.S. also showed that babies have a better chance of surviving at 22 weeks if given active treatment.

The Details:

Baby Isaac was born in February at just 22 weeks three days gestation, weighing 1.2 pounds — about as much as two sticks of butter.

He received care at University Hospital in Coventry, in the United Kingdom (UK), and now holds the distinction of being the youngest-born baby ever to survive at the hospital.

Baby Isaac's journey home

“It’s a miracle to be fair that he’s here with us. [I] didn't really think this day would come," Isaac's dad, Tatenda, said.

His mom, Vimbay, credited her faith with carrying the family through the challenges of Isaac's stay, as well as the "amazing" hospital team.

"Isaac wouldn't have got to where he is now without them," she said. "There have been moments of fear and moments of exhaustion, but there have also been moments of hope, and my faith has carried me through this."

After months of care, Isaac now weighs six pounds, and was discharged from the hospital to be home with his family.

Zoom In:

In the UK, abortion is allowed for any reason up to 24 weeks, which is widely considered to the point of so-called "viability." However, studies and real life experiences continue to prove that "viability" is completely arbitrary, especially as medical care continues to advance.

A recent study out of the United States found that 34% of infants who were given active treatment after a birth at 22 weeks survived at one year, compared with just 8.6% of babies who were not given "active treatment." Such treatment is defined as "antenatal corticosteroids, cesarean delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal antibiotics, surfactant, or mechanical ventilation (immediate or for >6 hours)."

"Active treatment at 22 weeks significantly improves the 1-year survival. Its rising national use reflects growing clinical acceptance and highlights a potential shift in the threshold of viability in U.S. neonatal care," the study authors concluded.

The Bottom Line:

Both the study and little babies like Isaac continue to prove that viability is an arbitrary term, and that infants are able to survive and thrive if given the chance.

"Isaac's journey is a powerful example of the strength shown by babies, families and staff every day in our neonatal services," said Chief Nursing Officer Tracey Brigstock. "We are incredibly proud of the care, compassion and expertise shown by our teams."