Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy related disorder that affects five percent of pregnant mothers. The condition causes high blood pressure, swelling and could lead to organ failure.
When Jessica Doxey's doctor diagnosed the Eastern Idaho mom with pre-eclampsia, she was concerned. Then, at only 23 weeks pregnant, she was admitted to the hospital.
Five days later, doctors told Doxey she needed a c-section to deliver her baby boy at only 24 weeks. According to doctors, Jessica's liver was failing and pre-eclampsia could cause her to deliver a still-born baby.
Doxey was in so much pain during labor, doctors administered general anesthesia. Baby Kaio was born by emergency c-section at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Baby Kaio weighed in at only 15 ounces and was 11 inches long. Though he was small in size, his spirit was mighty. Eight weeks later, baby Kaio is hanging on and defying the odds.
Mother, Jessica, proudly reports that Kaio is now tipping the scales at around two and a half pounds, but Jessica and Kaio Sr. are taking the experience day by day.
Though this micro-preemie is showing extreme resilience, both Jessica and Kaio know that their baby boy still battles numerous challenges. Having endured life-threatening infections and numerous blood transfusions, this little fighter keeps hanging on.
These days, Kaio Sr. is simply glad his wife and son survived the complications associated with pre-eclampsia.
"That will be the day," Kaio Sr. says of the day when two-year-old, big sister Stella gets to meet the newest additition to the family.
If all goes as planned, baby Kaio should be released from the hospital sometime around Jessica's original due date of November 27.
