A premature baby girl from Singapore, born at 22 weeks, is now five years old. This is a miraculous milestone for her, as she is also the only known surviving child to be born so early in gestation in the country.
Dr Tan Pih Lin at the department of neonatology at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital stated, “Chelsea [Kiew] is the only survivor at 22 weeks gestation in Singapore, which makes it an extremely rare and unique case.”
Weighing just 1lb 12oz at birth, Chelsea stayed in the hospital for about five months to become stronger and overcome health obstacles.
Chelsea’s mother, Madam Lin Hsiao Chi, recalled that her labor with Chelsea began unexpectedly at home. “I was petrified. But when I heard her crying, at least I knew she was alive,” Lin described. Her husband, Raymond Kiew, helped deliver Chelsea with assistance from emergency medical staff over the phone.
At birth, Chelsea was very active and had a strong heartbeat. But at one point during the course of her hospital stay, she needed 100% oxygen and ventilator support. She was later diagnosed with chronic lung disease, and required breathing support for nine months after being discharged from the hospital.
Her father remembers that during Chelsea’s time in the hospital, “We visited her every day, told her stories and encouraged her to believe in herself and explore the world. We believe such support is crucial for premature babies.” That love and support truly paid off. Chelsea now only needs routine checkups and can breathe easily as she draws, dances, and sings. The only lasting health condition she now has to be monitored for is a hole in her heart.
At age five, “She’s a bit of an introvert,” says her father. “She will spend a lot of time observing you before she will play with you… She’s very sensible, like she can see when I come back from office looking tired, and she’ll cover me with a blanket.”
There are other children born at 21 weeks and 22 weeks who, when given proper medical support, have grown quickly and have had the opportunity to explore the wonderful world around them. Chelsea, and other children like her, need support and resources to grow to their full potential.
