Francesca Bradley-Curran, born at just 24 weeks-and-2-days gestation weighing only at 1 pound 6 ounces, is being hailed as a ‘miracle baby’ after managing to defy all odds.
Victoria Bradley, a 37-year-old resident of Liverpool, UK, gave birth to her baby girl Francesca just 2 days after the UK’s 24-week abortion limit.
“I thought she still looked like a fetus. Her skin was see-through, and she didn’t have eyelashes or eyebrows. Her eyes weren’t open yet,” Bradley told Daily Mail UK.
The tiny infant struggled to take its first breath, and nurses collected keepsakes for the family, telling them their little girl probably would not survive. Eleven minutes later though, with the help of life support, Francesca managed to breathe.
“She was just so tiny, and so poorly. We were told it was hour by hour with her, and they didn’t think she would survive. Her blood was full of infections,” Bradley told Daily Mail UK.
“I took a picture of her footprint next to a penny to show how small she was. I got to see her three-and-a-half hours after she was born. She looked like a 3D scan.”
Interestingly, Victoria Bradley and spouse Paul Curran were told that Bradley could never have children as a result of ovarian problems. Needless to say, they were both shocked when they discovered the pregnancy. For the entire 24 weeks she was pregnant, Bradley experienced horrendous back and stomach pains, when finally, right after the 24-week mark, she was admitted to Liverpool’s Women’s Hospital where doctors told her she was in labor with Francesca.
Francesca ultimately faced meningitis, 2 cases of collapsed lungs, various kidney problems, 15 blood transfusions, and laser eye surgery— all within her first few weeks of life.
“I didn’t think she would be here. It’s scary to think if she had been just two days earlier, [doctors] wouldn’t have worked to save her,” Bradley told Daily Mail UK. This is because, in the United Kingdom, the 24-week cutoff mark determines whether a baby is viable. Luckily for the Bradley family, Francesca made it past the cut-off point, ensuring that medical staff would be willing to fight for her survival.
Still, despite all odds, nine months later Francesca is thriving, even being referred to as a true-life miracle baby.
After 17 long weeks in the hospital, Francesca was finally discharged and able to breathe without the help of life support. After having overcome such incredible odds, she is a true source of inspiration and joy.
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