A baby named Sayby defied the most pessimistic predictions of doctors and managed to survive. She holds the title of the smallest female baby in the world. Just like a medium-sized apple or a juice box, Baby Sayby shares a common characteristic: her weight. She was born when her mother was 23 weeks and 3 days pregnant. Sayby’s mother didn’t particularly complain about her well-being. Although she wasn’t feeling well, she believed it was a normal part of pregnancy. However, during a routine examination, the doctors didn’t allow her to go home.
“I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a dangerous condition during pregnancy that includes severe headache and high blood pressure, which poses a risk of miscarriage and even maternal and fetal death,” said Sayby’s mother. The doctors strongly recommended a cesarean section, but Sayby’s mother hesitated. Her baby was still very small, and she kept fearing that she wouldn’t survive. Nevertheless, there was no other choice but to proceed with the cesarean section.
When the doctors delivered the baby, they were astonished by her tiny size. They had never seen such a small baby before. They attempted to weigh her, but encountered a problem. The hospital scales couldn’t measure weights below 300 grams, and Sayby weighed only 245 grams.
“The baby had a very strong heartbeat, and fortunately, we were able to insert a breathing tube,” explained Dr. Paul Wozniak, the neonatologist who saved Sayby’s life.Immediately, the girl was transferred to the intensive care unit. The parents were informed that the doctors were doing everything they could, but there was little hope. They were given only an hour to spend with their baby before she was expected to pass away.
However, that hour turned into two, then a whole day, followed by weeks and eventually months. Sayby fiercely fought for her life, with the doctors doing everything in their power to save her.”The first week of Sayby’s life was extremely challenging. We were fortunate that there were no brain bleeding or infections, which are common in such cases,” explained Dr. Wozniak.
Sayby remained in the intensive care unit for five months. Recently, she was finally discharged.”I still consider it a miracle. When I was studying, babies born before 28 weeks rarely survived, and there was little attempt to save them. But times have changed, and technology has advanced. Sayby is an incredible combination of medical expertise and luck. Not every child with her weight can survive. Let’s hope that she continues to progress without complications,” added the doctor.
Meanwhile, the Tiniest Babies Registry, which records the smallest newborns, updated its statistics. Sayby emerged as the smallest surviving female baby born prematurely. Prior to her, the record was held by a girl weighing 252 grams, just slightly more, but every gram counts significantly for a baby’s survival.