Isabel was born in April at 29 weeks due to having severe early-onset IUGR. Intrauterine growth restriction is when a baby in the womb does not grow as expected and we found out at 20 weeks the blood flow from the placenta through the cord was restricted so the baby wasn’t getting enough nutrients to grow as she should. This meant weekly scans were done to monitor blood flow and for the next 9 weeks, the scans showed the blood flow gradually getting worse. The day before she was delivered by emergency caesarean, the scan showed blood flow in Isabel’s brain had slowed so it was not deemed safe for her to be in the womb any longer.
She weighed 1lb 8oz when she was born and she spent 86 days in the unit. She needed laser surgery on both eyes for ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). This is something that a lot of premature babies are screened for and is one of the most common causes of visual loss in childhood, and can lead to lifelong vision impairment and blindness. Isabel had it in both eyes and underwent laser surgery on both eyes at around 5 weeks old, and needed to be ventilated for the first time since being born.
The surgery was a complete success, and she got home with no major health concerns other than a minor case of lung disease. She is now 10 months old and apart from being tiny (she’s just coming out of 0-3month clothes now) you’d never guess she was so premature! The care the staff gave my sweet little Izzy will forever be remembered and I will forever be grateful! ~ Jakki, mum of Izzy.