22-week micro-preemie celebrates ‘1-year-at-home’ milestone

Baby Shane, born at just 22 weeks in Clarksville, Maryland, has celebrated his year first year at home.

At 21 weeks and 3 days pregnant, Shane’s mum went to hospital after noticing spotting and was told she was going into pre-term labour. A few days later, Shane was born and immediately rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

After spending the first five months of his life in hospital, Shane was able go home to join his family. Now, a year later, he is walking, saying his first few words, and loves playing with his big brother.

22-week threshold

Shane’s mum Kim explained that “emotions were high” when she was admitted to the county hospital, adding: “I was 21 weeks, 3 days pregnant at this time, still not feeling any aches, pains or discomfort.”

She was told she could give birth there, but that it did not have a NICU to care for premature babies. After hearing that the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore (UMMC) provides medical care for babies born at 22 weeks, she immediately requested a transfer.

Kim’s husband Josh explained: “We felt calmer and at peace having arrived at UMMC knowing they were equipped and familiar with handling our set of circumstances, all the while knowing in the back of our minds that Kim still needed to make it to Saturday to reach the 22-week 0-day threshold for interventions.”

Recalling the day Shane was born, his parents said: “As we looked at him for the little time we could before they rushed him off to the NICU, we didn’t know if we would see him alive again”.

His mum added: “The image of him being just born stays with me daily.”

Joy in each day

After 144 days in hospital, Shane was discharged home. Kim and Josh said: “Sleepless nights and long days were the new norm for us, it seemed, until he began to wean his oxygen at home and eventually drop it completely”.

Now, a year on, they described him as “an extremely happy baby” who “seems to find joy in each day.”

They marvelled at the bond he has with his brother, noting: “They are inseparable, and we see how those interactions have significantly played a role in helping Shane surpass so many milestones.”

Edge of viability

UMMC’s Dr El-Metwally explained: “Shane wasn’t just born at 22 weeks, he was born at exactly 22 weeks, when every additional day of development matters”.

She added: “He was extraordinarily tiny and vulnerable, but he was a fighter from the very beginning. And so were his parents, Kim and Josh. His remarkable progress reflects Shane’s resilience, his family’s strength and the dedication of the team that cared for him.”

Dr El-Metwally said that Shane’s case “reminds us why, with the right expertise, resources and partnership with families, it is possible to offer hope at the very edge of viability”.

In the UK, abortion is currently permitted for most reasons up to 24 weeks, and up to birth if the unborn child is deemed to have a disability.