The baby was born with intestines and several other organs outside the body. This little girl’s story made headlines around the world.
Sadie, 21, and Drew, 23, who live in Great Britain, were overjoyed when they welcomed a baby girl, Dorothy Montgomery.
The girl had an unusual beginning in life, as she was diagnosed with an extremely rare developmental defect called congenital gastroschisis. This is a defect that occurs because the baby’s intestines are outside the abdominal cavity.
“Our beautiful daughter caused us a lot of trouble at first. It wasn’t easy to learn about her diagnosis,” the mother wrote on Instagram after giving birth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the defect is caused by a hole in the abdominal wall near the belly button, which in very rare cases allows organs to grow outside the body.
“Her kidneys, stomach, liver, fallopian tubes, intestines and ovaries were exhausted,” the baby’s mother said before breaking down in tears.
The whole situation was, of course, very stressful for the family.
“The doctors had to wrap her in plastic to keep her moist. It was hard for me to watch,” the mother told The Mirror.
According to the New York Post, the mother found out about her daughter’s problem during a check-up at 12 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors then told her she was at risk of miscarriage. After considering all options, the woman decided that the right decision was to continue the pregnancy.
The special baby was born at 32 weeks in mid-February by caesarean section. The girl weighed less than 2 kilograms. To ensure proper conditions for her organs, doctors wrapped the baby in cling film before she was taken to a specialist hospital for further care.
The mother said it was difficult for her to watch. Still, it was even more difficult to watch as her daughter was hooked up to machines that ensured proper body functions.
Fortunately, the doctors really tried for this little one.
Using something like a silicone bag, they were able to return the organs to their rightful place.
“She’s lucky she didn’t need surgery.” I heard that many children with the same defect had to experience this,” says the baby’s mother.
On Instagram, the woman wrote that she was proud of her daughter
“It will not be an easy journey. She is doing great so far. She showed us what a strong fighter she is.”
What a miracle! We wish the whole family all the best!
