Australia’s Most Premature Surviving Baby Named ‘Miracle’ After Being Born at 21 Weeks
An Australian baby born at just 21 weeks and three days has survived against extraordinary odds, becoming the country’s most premature newborn known to survive. Her parents named her Makerita Miracle Tanuvasa, a name that took on a profound meaning after her difficult start to life.
Makerita’s mother, Annrose Tanuvasa, initially believed she was only four to six weeks pregnant when she visited her gynaecologist in Queensland on March 20. Instead, doctors discovered she was about 22 weeks pregnant and warned that her baby could arrive at any time.
Annrose was admitted to hospital that same day. She was told that hospitals in Queensland generally would not resuscitate babies born before 23 weeks because of the significant risks associated with extreme prematurity and the possibility of long-term complications.
Five days later, Makerita was born at 21 weeks and three days. Her arrival placed her among the youngest babies ever to survive premature birth and reportedly made her Australia’s most premature surviving newborn.
Her father, Misi, recalled that the newborn was extremely small and said even doctors struggled to explain how she had survived the challenges surrounding her birth.
The baby’s name also carries special significance for the family. Makerita was named after one of Annrose’s late aunts, while her middle name, Miracle, was chosen by Annrose’s mother before the family knew about the pregnancy.
“And indeed, what a Miracle she is,” Annrose wrote while announcing her daughter’s birth.
