Tiny 'miracle' baby must stay in hospital

A child thought to be the world’s most premature surviving baby must remain in a US hospital for a few more days as a precaution, officials said tonight.

Amillia Sonja Taylor, born on October 24 after just under 22 weeks in the womb, had been due to be sent home tonight.

Doctors say she is the first baby known to have survived after a gestation of fewer than 23 weeks. Normal births come after 37 to 40 weeks.

Barbara Moore, spokeswoman for the Baptist children’s hospital in Miami, said she did not have details on why doctors changed their minds.

Amillia was just 9-and-a-half inches long and weighed less than 10 ounces when she was delivered by Caesarean section.

Amillia, the first child for Eddie and Sonja Taylor, now weighs 4-and-a-half pounds.

She has suffered respiratory and digestive problems, as well as a mild brain haemorrhage, but doctors believe the health concerns will not have major long--term effects.

“Her prognosis is excellent,” said Dr Paul Fassbach, who has cared for Amillia since her second day.

Amillia was conceived in vitro and has been in an incubator since birth. She will continue to receive a small amount of supplemental oxygen even after she goes home.