Baby Born at 21 Weeks and 5 Days Sent Home From Hospital

Not so long ago, the odds of survival for preemies were bleak. But just this week, a German baby girl, born at only 21 weeks and five days was sent home from hospital with an excellent prognosis for a healthy, normal life.

The baby, named Frieda, was born at Fulda Children’s Hospital in Germany on November 7, 2010. Weighing only 1 lb at birth and measuring only 11 inches, doctors and family feared for her survival. At first stating that he could make no promises about her life expectancy, Reinald Repp, the hospital’s chief doctor, is now calling the baby a ‘medical miracle’ and says there is no reason to think she won’t remain healthy.

Unfortunately, this story of survival also carries a sad note – baby Frieda had a twin brother, Kilian, who after surviving his traumatic birth, died just six weeks later. Though both babies were kept in a sterile environment and every measure was taken in their care, Kilian passed away from heart and intestinal issues.

In a statement on their daughter’s homecoming, parents Yvonne and John Mangold said simply, “We are overjoyed. But the happiness feels strange, as we are sad at the same time. Kilian is in our thoughts every day.”

Yvonne’s pregnancy first took a serious turn at the 15-week mark, and 5 weeks later after showing signs of preterm labor, she was checked into the hospital. With treatment, the two babies’ entry into the world was delayed, but only for another 10 days.

With her birth at 21 weeks and five days, Frieda is thought to be the earliest premature baby in Europe. It’s also believed she’s tied the world record for the earliest preemie with James Elgin Gill, who was born in 1987 in Ottawa, Canada.