Miracle mum Sylvia shares Francis's story:

My pregnancy started off normal and uncomplicated. I ticked along my first trimester and was heading towards the end of my second trimester. At 26 weeks my husband and I had our gender reveal with our family and found out that we were have a Baby boy. We were all thrilled. A few days later at 27 weeks I noticed some mucus bleeding in my underwear and felt mild cramps. I didn’t think it would be something too serious, but I thought it was best to call the hospital just to make sure everything is okay.
I went into RPA Hospital and they did their routine ultrasound scans. Our Baby’s heart rate was fine until they scanned my cervix. They noticed it was shortening. Further examinations showed that I was already 1cm dilated with a bulging membrane. The medical team explained that I might go into labour in the next few hours or days.
My husband and I felt like the world had stopped. A team member from NICU came in and explained the care they provide for pre-term babies. They also provided statistical information of having a baby born at 27 weeks and the chances of them born with a learning impairment or a disability. My husband and I were shaking as we tried to process all the information. In a short moment I was cannulated and given steroids and magnesium sulphate. This was to reduce the risk of breathing problems and cerebral palsy for our baby if he was to arrive early.

I stayed overnight at hospital for monitoring. The next day the obstetrician came in and told me, him and his team can attempt to put a cervical cerclage to hold the cervix closed. I went ahead with the surgery and it was successful.

After a few days in hospital I was sent home on strict bed rest. Later at 29+0 I went into labour. I got administered to hospital and after 3 nights in hospital I delivered Francis at 29+3 on the operating table. He was born via vaginal delivery. This all happened after the medical team took the cervical cerclage out.

Francis’ weighed 1.46kg. He was small but he was mighty. He had treatment for Jaundice and treatment for risk of sepsis. He spent 9 days in ICU. 23 Days in HDU and 32 Days in Special Care. A total of 62 Days in hospital. He had Bradycardias from time to time but he was always able to bring his heart rate back up without external intervention.

Francis is truely a Superstar. He’s a healthy boy and is continuing to reach his developmental milestones for his corrected age. Our family is so thankful for the all the doctors, nurses and medical team at RPA Hospital.