The Pratt Family from Leicestershire, UK, has endured a harrowing medical journey since their son was born at just 24 weeks! However, their miraculous little boy is an inspiration and evidence of God's faithfulness.
Karianne Pratt was 31 when she learned that she was pregnant with her second child in September 2020. She and her husband Callum, 32 at the time, were already proud parents of their daughter, Lily.
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Karianne's second pregnancy progressed as expected during the first 18 weeks. But then she began bleeding heavily at 19 weeks. Though terrified by the experience, Karianne's doctors checked her out and assured her that the baby was fine. Fearing she might lose the child, Karianne worried terribly whenever she had any bleeding over the course of the next five weeks.
Following Karianne's scare at 19 weeks, doctors kept a close eye on her and baby Pratt. And at 24 weeks, the beauty business owner began having contractions.
Baby Born At 24 Weeks
Soon after, Baby Tommy was born at 24 weeks at Leicester Royal Hospital, breech and in his amniotic sack.
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Karianne said, "When I started having contractions at 24 weeks, I went into complete shock. I never actually thought he’d come so early, but after just 25 minutes of pushing, he was here."
Tommy weighed just 1.5 pounds when he was born, and he was quickly placed into an incubator. It was five excruciating days before Karianne could even hold her son! Dad Callum took a picture of mom and baby, highlighting Tommy's tiny foot-the length of it equal to the end of Karianne's index finger!
Over the next 102 days, Tommy battled for life. Karianne recalls, "He was so tiny, and it was heartbreaking seeing his little body connected to so many tubes and machines."
Tommy's medical hurdles included a brain bleed, chronic lung disease, a hernia, and retinopathy of prematurity, which is an eye disease that some premature babies develop. The little survivor had surgery to remove the hernia, and his eye condition cleared up naturally over time.
After a long 102 days in the hospital, Tommy was able to go home. The date was April 19, 2021, one week before Tommy's original due date!
Baby Born At 24 Weeks Defies The Odds
Though it was a challenge to manage Tommy's at-home care initially since he was still on oxygen, the Pratts (Callum, Karianne, Lily, and Tommy) were thrilled to finally all be under one roof. Miss Lily, who had been staying with her grandparents while her mom and dad were at the hospital with Tommy, had not been allowed to meet her baby brother due to COVID restrictions.
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Indeed, it was quite a celebration!
Today, 2.5 years later, Tommy is healthy and happy.
While his parents still monitor his chronic lung disease, he functions very well. Callum and Karianne really wondered if their painfully frail child would survive, but they are inspired each day by how far he has come.
Mrs. Pratt shared, "He’s so funny, cheeky, and talkative now. Thankfully, he’s meeting all his milestones and isn’t showing any signs of [developmental] delays. He’s just a typical little boy and we’re so proud of him!"
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"Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever." Psalms 136:4
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h/t: The Epoch Times
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/High Peak Live | Facebook/Leicestershire