A Falkirk baby born 24 weeks premature is at the forefront of the new season of BBC Scotland documentary series Tiny Lives, as doctors race against time to save the little tot.
This week, Tiny Lives meets baby Michael who, born at just 24 weeks, is four months premature.
His eyes are still fused shut and his lungs are only half grown. Michael is at the limit where babies can be born prematurely and still do well.
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Babies born as early as Michael have a 60% chance of survival so he will stay in University Hospital Wishaw’s neonatal intensive care ward, receiving one-to-one care throughout the day and night.
For Michael and his mum, Steph, and dad, Mick, it is a long road ahead as he learns to breathe without support
Consultant Stuart Guthrie oversees the crucial first days of Michael’s life, explaining to Steph and Mick that their son has pulmonary hypertension due to his lungs not being fully formed.
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The more prematurely a baby is born, the higher the risk of disability.
The hospital use an ultrasound to assess the development of Michael’s brain.
For parents Steph and Mick, being at Michael’s bedside has added complications as they live over an hour away in Falkirk and have five other children between them, all under the age of 12.
Tiny Lives also meets two-year-old Innes who spent the first four months of his life at University Hospital Wishaw after being born at just 23 weeks.
As Innes’ story highlights, a premature baby’s development is unpredictable and even when they go home, it’s not always the end of their medical journey.
He’s back at this hospital as an out-patient with dad, Mark.
Also this week, the unit celebrates World Prematurity Day and the babies receive much-needed knitted gifts from local volunteer, 82-year-old Rita.
Tiny Live's third episode will air on Monday, June 27 at 8:30pm on BBC One Scotland.
