Introducing the world's tiniest baby

[CatWoman]

In this photo released by the Loyola University Health System, Rumaisa Rahman, is seen next to a hand a few weeks after she was born at the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. Rumaisa, whose parents came from Hyderabad, India, weighed 8.6 ounces (243.80 grams) when she was delivered Sept. 19. She is believed to be the smallest baby in the world ever to survive. (AP Photo/Loyola University Health System, HO)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041221/ap_on_he_me/smallest_baby&e=5

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

1. Saw that story tonight on the local news WMAQ in Chicago.

They're both really tiny, but they're going home shortly. The Mom wants both girls to become doctors when they grow up. Really sweet. I wish them all the best.

[Pithlet]

2. Unbelievable.

I can't believe that baby survived, and is doing okay. It just doesn't seem possible that a human baby can be born 8oz and survive. I'm an atheist, but that is the closest thing to a miracle I've ever seen.

[Spinzonner]

3. Size and marturity are not the same thing

Obviously there is a very strong correlation and there are problems that are related to size directly (heat loss for one) but its lack of maturity of some organ systems that is the most deadly.

So there are bound to be some very small babies where it is not a pure death or health sentence.

[Pithlet]

7. It did say

that the health problems of the mother might have contributed to their viability. Certain health problems can force a fetus to mature faster than it otherwise would. It is highly unusual for a fetus that small to be developed to the point of viability, though. It's just so hard to imagine a baby that small, and it seems miraculous.

[deadparrot]

4. Glad to hear she's doing okay...hope she stays healthy.

[Maestro]

5. OMG!

I hope she has no lasting problems such as learning disabilities and the like.

[NightTrain]

6. Wow....

8.6 ounces. Hope she makes it all right!

[fluffernutter]

8. wow, that is amazing.

she has a twin and i can't believe both of them are doing okay. it is a blessing.

[underpants]

9. Thank God God and Jesus blessed them

Oh wait!

I saw that earlier. Incredible. A great story.

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. Dr. McMillan who was the lead high-risk OB guy interviewed....

...is the same doctor who delivered the triplets. Fortunately, they were born at 34 weeks and had good weights. They only were in the hospital for about two weeks after birth.

[Doctor_J]

11. she was delivered at 25 weeks

a miracle of medical technology

[Kat45]

12. That story has been on the news here for a couple of days.