An English baby girl born with half a heart is alive and well just nine months after her birth. Scarlett Crowther was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of her heart did not develop in the womb. Her mother, Rebecca Turner, had been told about her fetus' condition during the 20-week scan and was even given the option to terminate her pregnancy.
However, the 20-year-old mom refused and instead had the baby as she intended. Scarlett had to undergo a seven hour surgery within her first week alive and has to continue to do so every so often to remain in good health.
According to Fox News, Scarlett had another heart surgery at 8 months, which lasted almost nine hours. Doctors had to perform the risky surgery which involved attaching a vein from her neck to her heart. The surgery she had prior to this one had surgeons attaching an artificial tube inside her to help the blood flow to her heart.
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Although at nine months old Scarlett is getting better, she still needs to undergo another operation between the ages of 4 and 8 to make sure the vein stays attached. Turner says she doesn't regret her decision to keep Scarlett and calls her a "little fighter." She adds, "When I hold her now I just can't believe how healthy and happy she is. She's my miracle baby." Although Scarlett will never be able to have full grown heart, doctors say she will be able to live life normally.
Scarlett truly is a miracle baby! It's amazing how she has been able to survive this long without an entire heart, but I'm sure doctors will do what it takes to keep her healthy. It's great to see that this little fighter is continuing to thrive under the proper medical care and love from her mom. And I won't be surprised if she grows up to do amazing things despite her condition.
Image via Thinkstock
