See world’s most premature baby to survive, born after 21 weeks, one day

A baby boy from Alabama, the United States (U.S.), Curtis Means, has set a world record of ‘the most premature baby to survive’; born after 21 weeks and one day of pregnancy.

Curtis Means, born within 132 days on July 5, 2020, has grown to 16 months old. Surviving premature death, Curtis Means has broke the Guinness World Records. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) on 10 November announced that Curtis Means weighs 14.8 ounces (419.5g) at birth and has set a new world record.

Curtis Means was born 132 days premature on July  5, 2020, with a twin who did not survive.

Dr. Brian Sims, who monitored the birth, revealed that statistics show a baby born so young has virtually no chance of survival but Curtis beat the odds.

Dr. Sims in a statement, declared: “We typically advise for compassionate care in situations of such extremely preterm births.

“This allows the parents to hold their babies and cherish what little time they may have together.”

Curtis was discharged from the hospital after 275 days. It was revealed that the boy needed help from therapists to begin using his mouth and eating.

Curtis mother, Michelle Butler, from rural Eutaw, Alabama, had celebrated: “Being able to finally take Curtis home and surprise my older children with their younger brother is a moment I will always remember.

“It was a difficult journey, but I am grateful for the UAB team and their constant support. They took the time to educate me and made sure I knew what was happening every step of the way. They truly cared about my son and me.”

It was highlighted that a fetus is considered fully matured at 40 weeks, while Ms Butler went into labour with twins in 21 weeks.

The mother was referred to UAB Hospital’s regional neonatal intensive care unit, where she gave birth to Curtis and C’Asya.

C’Asya died the next day but Curtis was taken off the ventilator after three months and received round-the-clock care until he was discharged in April.

Curtis requires a feeding tube and supplemental oxygen, but Dr. Sims said he is in good health.

Dr. Sims had stated: “We do not know what all the future will hold for Curtis since there is no one else like him.

“He started writing his own story the day he was born. That story will be read and studied by many and, hopefully, will help improve care of premature infants around the world.”

The Guinness Book of World Records said Curtis beat the previous record by a day, which was set a month before when Richard Hutchinson, from Wisconsin, was born after 21 weeks and 2 days.