Covid-19 causes global increase in pregnancy problems 0:38
(CNN) -
A baby born weighing less than a pound beat the odds and celebrated his first birthday, becoming the most premature baby to survive, according to Guinness World Records.
When Richard Scott William Hutchinson was born premature at five months - recognized by Guinness as the world's most premature baby - his doctors prepared his parents for the worst.
Richard was born at Children's Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after his mother, Beth Hutchinson, suffered medical complications that caused her to go into labor.
Born 131 days ahead of schedule and weighing just 337 grams, Richard was so small that his parents could hold him in the palm of their hand, Guinness said.
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Richard in the hospital shortly after his birth.
Zero percent chance of survival for the world's most premature baby
"When (their parents) Rick and Beth received prenatal counseling on what to expect from a baby born so early, our neonatology team gave them a 0% chance of survival," Neonatologist Dr. Stacy Kern told Guinness World Records by Richard at Children's Minnesota.
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"I knew that the first weeks of Richard's life would be very difficult, but I felt that if I could get through it, I would be a survivor."
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, Richard's parents were unable to spend the night with him in the hospital, and the other members of his family were also unable to visit him.
So the parents commuted daily from their home in St Croix County, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, according to Guinness.
"We made sure we were there to support him," Rick told Guinness World Records.
"I think that helped him get ahead because he knew he could count on us."
Rick and Beth Hutchinson did not respond to CNN's request for comment.
In December 2020, after spending more than six months in the hospital, Richard was able to return home to his family.
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Richard and his parents are certified by the Guinness World Records.
“The day Richard was discharged from the intensive care unit was a very special day.
I remember picking him up from the crib and holding him with tears, ”Kern said.
“I couldn't believe it was the same boy who was once so sick that I was afraid he would not survive.
The same child that used to fit in the palm of my hand, with skin so translucent that I could see every rib and glass of its small body.
I couldn't help but squeeze it and tell him how proud I was of him, "she added.
On June 5, the lucky baby was able to celebrate his first birthday surrounded by his family and three dogs.
"It doesn't seem real," says Beth of Richard breaking the record.
“We are still surprised by it.
But we are happy.
It's a way to share your story to raise awareness about premature births. "
premature babies