For the first time, a 268-gram baby came into the world and was able to leave the maternity ward in good health. The birth of this child happened after only 22 weeks of pregnancy, as reported by the RTL website. His very small size is impressive.
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According to data from an international registry held by the University of Iowa in the United States, he is the smallest baby in the world to be born prematurely and to have survived. In 2009, an infant weighing 274 grams was born in Germany. In 2014, a newborn weighing 289 grams was born in Japan.
As a result of the delivery, the infant - who could fit in the palm of a hand - spent five months in neonatology, where he was cared for since he required special attention. Takeshi Arimitsu, the doctor who took care of the newborn said:
Even when a baby is born this small, there is a possibility that he can leave maternity in good health
The low survival rate for newborns under 300 grams
Leaving the maternity ward, the baby weighed 3 kilos and 238 grams, more than ten times his original weight. ‘I'm glad he gained so much weight, because frankly, I was not sure he would survive’ said his mother, who can now enjoy and care for her child, who now has no trouble drinking milk.
As pointed out by the Japanese hospital, the survival rate of infants under 300 grams is low, ‘especially when it comes to a boy.’ To ensure that he stays healthy, the baby will still be followed for several years by the doctors.
Take a look at the video above to see this incredible tiny baby...
