380-Gram Azra Clings Tightly to Life
At Private Ümit Hospital, baby Azra was born weighing 380 grams. After meticulous care and treatment spanning 322 days, she was discharged at 4.72 kilograms, reuniting with her parents.
Born on November 26, 2015, at 26 weeks gestation as the second child of her parents, Azra fought for her life for 322 days. After birth, her weight dropped to 340 grams, prompting hospital staff to mobilize. The dedicated efforts of the hospital's doctors succeeded in keeping Azra alive. After 322 days, she was discharged at 4.72 kilograms. The family, after a long wait, joyfully reunited with their healthy baby. Officials noted that Azra is the smallest baby ever born in Turkey.
Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Ferruh Baş provided information about Azra's care, recalling that she was born 322 days ago. He stated that Azra is the smallest child born at the hospital. “Babies born under 1,000 grams have a higher risk of not surviving. Globally, babies born under 500 grams are extremely rare. In Turkey, it's very rare for babies under 400 grams to survive. Azra was born at 380 grams. She spent her initial days in an incubator, during which her weight dropped to 340 grams. Subsequently, the process continued with organ support, growth, development, and infant care. Today, she weighs 4.72 kilograms. At birth, she was 27 centimeters long; now, she is 60 centimeters,” he said.
Azra's father, Ahmet Ay, a public servant, expressed his happiness:
“We are very grateful to God for seeing these days. Our doctors and nurses treated her as their own child. We are very happy. Initially, we didn't have much hope. We hope those watching this news find hope in this situation. We thank everyone working here. They supported us both materially and morally.”
Azra's mother, Ayşe Esra Ay, an English teacher, also expressed her surprise when the baby was first born, saying, “Our nurses were very attentive. The difference between now and when she was born is immense. We are very happy.”
The parents experienced emotional moments while watching a slideshow of baby Azra prepared by the hospital management. Subsequently, the baby was handed over to her parents.
