Posted on 12/22/2004 8:27:27 AM PST by Area Freeper
The world's tiniest surviving baby made her public debut at a US hospital, a wrinkled, but perfectly formed three-month-old who was the size of a cell phone at birth.
Rumaisa Rahman weighed in at just .24 kilos (8.6 ounces) when she was delivered September 19 -- 36 grams (1.3 ounces) lighter than the previous record holder.
Doctors said they waited to announce the record-setting birth of Rumaisa and her slightly larger twin until the newborns were nearly ready to leave the hospital, and until after it was clear they were healthy.
The infant was delivered 15 weeks before her due date by caesarian section at Loyola University Medical Center in suburban Chicago because doctors were concerned about the preemie's development.
Her mother Mahajabeen Shaik had been hospitalized early because she had developed severe pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, which was affecting her health as well as Rumaisa's activity in the womb.
"We were a little surprised at just how small Rumaisa was, but pleased to see that she was vigorous and seemed to be getting a good start," said William MacMillan, the obstetrician who delivered the infant.
Rumaisa's fraternal twin sister, Hiba, tipped the scales at .56 kilos (1 pound 4 ounces).
Shaik, 23, and her husband, Mohammed Abdul Rahman, 32, both originally from Hyderabad, India, could not hold their daughters until their second month because the babies were hooked to drips and were inside incubators.
"I was very nervous when I saw the babies first because they were too tiny ... there were a lot of questions running in my mind," said Mohammed Rahman Tuesday, adding "I'm thankful to Allah that everything went fine."
The babies were conceived naturally, hospital officials said, and are the first children for the couple, who were married in India in January.
Rumaisa, whose name means "white as milk" in India, now weighs about 1.19 kilos (2 pounds, 10 ounces).
Studies suggest she will develop normally, according to Jonathan Muraskas, professor of pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine.
Ultrasounds have shown that Rumaisa's head is normal and there is no bleeding in her brain, a common complication that can put a baby at risk for cerebral palsy.
Both girls underwent laser surgery to correct vision problems that are common in premature babies.
Doctors say they are doing well, taking all their feedings by bottle and receiving some minimal oxygen to help with respiratory functions because their lungs have not completely matured.
Hiba may be discharged from the hospital by Christmas, hospital officials say. Rumaisa may go home the first week in January.
The previous record holder for the world's smallest baby was held by Madeline Mann who was born in 1989 -- also at Loyola medical center.
Yes, indeed they are. Indescribably precious.
Bumping to look up when I'm back.
::going to pick up my kids::
bump for return
My wife cares for premies like these and when I see pictures of them, I am reminded of what an angel she is. The technology and modern medical techniques are simply amazing.
These children are of Arab descent. Do you think this story will make it too the Middle Eastern Press? Yeah me neither, doesn't help with out with all that great satan propaganda.
Not all Muslims are arabs.
These kids are Indian by birth(Parents are from Hyderabad in South India).India has over 138 million Muslims & most of them are far more better behaved than their cousins in the M.E or Pakistan.Heck,India's current President & father of it's missile programme is a Muslim.
My bad
There are many chritians and Hindus in India as well.
About 830million Hindus & over 25 million Christians.
Thank you!
Guys, please remember, these are Indian people.... nothing in common with Arabs except for complexion.
Indian?
The names sound Arab Islamic. Mother dresses like an Islamic.
They are Muslim, which is a minority in India, but Indian Muslims are not ethnically Arab.... they were mostly Hindus who converted.
The Muslim population in India tends to be very peaceful, not like what u see in the Mid East. Indian people in general are pro West, pro freedom.
Hmm,Muslims everywhere(& this also applies to Christians to an extent) use the same names & a large number of them adopt the Hijab.This is seen as far India,Malaysia & Indonesia.
Please remember that names are a gift from our parents. My Christian name is Matthew. It has Jewish origins. Mattew is th ptron sain of bankers. I have no love of Islam, but not all Muslims are bad people. These beautiful babies are a Testament.
I was not criticizing these babies or the parents.
I see now that you weren't. Sorry. Merry Christmas!
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