A young West Lothian mum has given birth to a baby boy at just 25 weeks pregnant after a ‘traumatic labour’. Kat Lauren Stone was diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), which causes early birth and can bring a higher risk of infection. The 23-year-old new mum gave birth to Elijah James Michael Tait on September 21 at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, almost four months before his due date. Elijah was described as a micro preemie baby, due to being born before 26 weeks. Since his birth, weighing just 1.9 ounces, he’s remained in neonatal intensive care.
Kat and her partner Graham Tait, 28, have two other kids at home and have admitted they “don’t know how to feel.” Kat told Edinburgh Live about her challenging experience, “I was 25 weeks pregnant, at 19 weeks I was diagnosed with PPROM, so my waters had burst. When my waters burst, by rights the baby is meant to come within that week. We were told to prepare for the worst. I was going to St John’s Hospital in Livingston for monitoring. The baby hung on to 20 weeks, with just 25ml of fluid. At 20 weeks, he lost all fluid. There was no protection around him, both him and me were at high risk of infection.”
Kat gave birth five weeks later after a series of complications. She shared, “They were preparing to deliver at the Royal because I was in labour. They managed to stop labour, and I was let out on September 15. I was going to my usual appointments. Then on September 20, I was blue lighted to the Royal again. I was in labour all night, 24 hours, and they couldn’t see any sign of dilating. They had me on everything, but nothing was working.” Despite the challenges, Elijah was born “sunny side up” in a rare occiput posterior (OP) position.
Following Elijah’s birth, Kat faced further complications requiring surgery and a blood transfusion. Elijah was in critical condition and had moments of instability before showing signs of resilience. Kat expressed, “Within five hours he managed to bring himself around a bit. It has been touch and go since. Saturday was the first good day he has had. Now he’s critical, but stable. He’s opened his eyes slightly for the first time.”
While dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of Elijah’s journey, Kat is also focused on caring for her two other children, who have been affected by the situation. She shared, “Jay, he is six years-old, he isn’t taking it too well. Delilah, who is 10-months-old, has just been really unsettled due to the situation.” Kat emphasized the immense challenges she faces, stating, “I don’t know what to feel. I am quite low and emotional, and it was a traumatic labour. I just want to cry. It’s a lot to deal with.”
Kat’s priority now is to support Elijah in his fight for survival. She expressed her fear and determination, saying, “He deserves every prayer, and credit for his fight already.” Despite the uncertainties, Kat remains hopeful and resolute in facing the challenges ahead with strength and courage.