A Scottish couple’s premature daughter, who was born weighing barely 2lbs, is on the mend after being born at just 25 weeks gestation.
Jenna Lauder, 36, and Gary Gibson, 37, from Stirling, welcomed their daughter, Hope, into the world unexpectedly while on their summer holiday in Blackpool at the beginning of July.
While enjoying their break in the English seaside town, on 2 July, Jenna started having cramps and bleeding.
At just 25 weeks pregnant, she went to Blackpool Hospital’s A&E immediately, and it was determined that she was in early labour. Jenna was given medication to protect baby Hope as much as possible and hasten the development of her vital organs, but as much as they might not have wanted her to arrive so early, little Hope was born that evening.
Premature babies often face particular respiratory challenges due to underdeveloped lungs. Newborn respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a common condition in preterm infants, occurring when their lungs lack sufficient surfactant – a substance that helps keep air sacs inflated. This can lead to breathing difficulties and may require oxygen support or a ventilator to help the baby breathe properly.
Hope, weighing a mere 2lbs 1oz at birth, was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Preston. Despite facing significant challenges, including a stage two bilateral brain bleed, the tiny fighter is responding well to treatment and growing stronger each day.
A mother’s love
Just over a week after her birth, Hope reached two significant milestones. She began receiving small amounts of milk and shared her first cuddle with her mother, Jenna.
The family, including Hope’s two-year-old brother Vinnie, now faces months of waiting by Hope’s side as she grows strong enough to return to Scotland. If all goes according to plan, this is expected to be around the time of her October due date.
Medical advances offer hope
Despite being born at just 25 weeks, Hope is receiving specialised treatment that gives her a fighting chance at life. While Hope faces challenges, her parents remain optimistic.
Dad Gary said “Our new daughter Hope is fighting for her place in this world, and we will be by her side every step of the way”.
Hope was born just one week after the UK time limit for abortions of 24 weeks.
Originally set at 28 weeks, the abortion limit was lowered in 1990 to 24 weeks gestation in reflection of medical and technological advances that had resulted in improving survival rates for babies born before 28 weeks gestation.
The 24-week abortion limit is past the point at which many babies now survive, is double that of the most common time limit among European Union countries, and represents a contradiction at the heart of our abortion law.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “Every life is precious, and Hope’s journey is a powerful reminder of the inherent dignity of all human beings, regardless of their stage of development. Her fight for survival highlights why we must continue to advocate for the protection of all unborn children, recognising their right to life from the moment of conception”.
