Baby Survives and Born Healthy After Mother Declared Brain Dead at 15-Weeks Gestation in 'Miracle Birth'

Only one of three successful cases

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, November 14, 2013

Doctors in Hungary are amazed that an infant born in July has beaten all odds and is thriving after the baby's mother was put on life support at only 15 weeks gestation. The mother was pronounced brain dead by medical staff, but doctors kept her on life support for 12 weeks so that the baby could grow and be safely delivered; it is only one of three cases known like this in the world.

Doctors have not revealed any information about the mother or child's identity out of respect for the family but spoke about the miracle that took place over the three months the woman was kept on life support. The 31-year-old suffered a stroke and was declared brain dead; doctors performed an ultrasound and discovered that the 15-week-old fetus was still moving.

"In the first two days we struggled to save the mother's life and it was proven… that circulation and functions stopped.  On the second day when [other] examinations were carried out, we found the baby was alive and kicking well in its mother's body," Dr. Bela Fulesdi told Daily Mail.

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Family members made the decision to keep the woman on life support as long as the fetus was thriving, and often stopped by to talk to the fetus and rub the mother's stomach for stimulation. According to reports, doctors fought hard against infections, and in the 27th week of pregnancy, had to deliver the baby via C-section because it was no longer safe for the baby to remain in the womb.

"The aim was not just to deliver a child but to deliver a healthy child," Dr. Csilla Molnar explained. "When the baby was born it was a fantastic moment. It immediately cried out, it was kicking… it was an unforgettable moment for all of us who took part in the treatment."

The baby had to spend time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) after being born so early but was discharged last month and is doing well. The American Foreign Press reported that the family welcomed a baby boy during the summer.

The mother's heart, pancreas, liver and both kidneys were transplanted to four patients.