A baby boy who was born extremely prematurely has been called a “warrior” who is “crushing milestones” that no-one ever thought possible. His mother, is overjoyed at her son’s progress. She said: “Karter Lamar King is a warrior and we can’t wait to see what his future holds!”
Doctors in Texas did not expect baby boy, Karter Lamar King, to survive his first week of life after he was born 14 weeks prematurely on August 27th 2019.
However, after 260 days in hospital, the baby boy has been praised as a “miracle baby” and is now breathing independently.
Baby Karter weighed over just one pound and measured only 27cm long after his mother, Alicia King, had to undergo an emergency caesarean section at just 26 weeks pregnant.
The premature baby endured multiple infections including chronic lung disease and pneumonia. He also had to undergo numerous medical procedures since his birth including multiple blood transfusions. In late December, Karter’s breathing deteriorated and doctors performed a tracheostomy to open his airway.
However, after 260 days in hospital, baby Karter has been taken off his breathing ventilator and is now breathing independently. His mother, who is overjoyed at her son’s progress has called him a “miracle baby” and a “warrior.”
“The happiest baby ever”
Addressing social media, Ms King said: “In the past 26 weeks he has proven every doctor wrong that told us to turn off machines because he was just ’too sick’. Karter Lamar King is a warrior and we can’t wait to see what his future holds!
“This mama cried so many happy tears. Baby boy is crushing milestones no one thought possible!
“Karter was taken completely off the ventilator this morning. He is breathing on his own 24/7. As of today, our Karter bug has officially been outside in the world for as long as he was growing inside. I look back at the past 26 weeks and feel guilty for making my baby struggle.
“But I’m also so, so proud of everything he has overcome and is still battling.”
Ms King called her son “the happiest baby ever.”
Growing survival rates for premature babies
In 2019, a review by the British Association of Perinatal Medicine has found that medical advances had increased the survival rate for premature babies and in new guidelines published in October last year, doctors have been told they should change their practice and resuscitate babies born as early as 22 weeks.
Evidence provided by Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics, John Wyatt, shows that a baby born at 23 weeks old has a 50% chance of surviving. His evidence illustrates that 30 years ago, less than 20% of babies born before 28 weeks of gestation survived. However, advances in medical care at the beginning of life have transformed the prospects of survival for premature babies.
Evidence now indicates that 35% of babies born four months premature at 22 weeks old now survive if treated.
John Wyatt’s studies suggest that significant improvements in survival rates can be achieved when maternity and neonatal units provide consistent staffing, resources and treatment policies.