A “miracle baby” who was born prematurely at only 33 weeks’ gestation is now enjoying being at home with his family.
Eve Sleigh, from Birmingham, was diagnosed with sticky blood syndrome, also known as antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare condition where an individual’s blood clots more easily. This condition can cause pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, and can lead to premature births.
When Eve found out she was pregnant with baby Kiyaan, she began treatment to ensure her baby had the best chance of survival. She was given blood-thinning injections and aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots and had regular pregnancy scans.
Despite this treatment, scans revealed that baby Kiyaan was smaller than expected and Eve’s placenta was not working as it should.
“One day the scans looked normal but the next time he wasn’t growing as he should. We couldn’t work out why”, Eve said.
At 33 weeks’ gestation, scans showed signs that Eve’s placenta was failing, so doctors advised her that giving birth was the safest option.
Baby Kiyaan was subsequently born prematurely, weighing only 3 lb 15 oz. He remained in the neonatal intensive care unit for the first three days of his life until he stabilised.
Tests on Eve’s placenta led to a second diagnosis of chronic histiocytic intervillositis, a condition in which a mother’s immune system can damage the placenta.
“Getting that second diagnosis was the last piece of the puzzle”, she revealed.
“Knowing there were two conditions working against me felt like a heaviness lifted off my shoulders”, Eve explained.
Baby Kiyaan is now five months old, thriving at home and enjoying his life with his family.
“He’s absolutely perfect”, his mother added. “He’s been golden. He’s so smiley and giggly, and he’s just obsessed with lights and sounds and textures”.
Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said “We are so glad that Eve has overcome the difficulties she faced during her pregnancy and has given birth to baby Kiyaan, who sounds like he is having the best time at home”.
“Their story is a great example of the incredible strength that mothers and premature babies have”.
