1.5 pound premature baby born on cruise ship survives against all odds

When a Utah woman unexpectedly gave birth on a cruise ship almost four months before her due date, she was terrified that her baby wouldn't survive the journey to shore. Luckily, with the help of medical staff on board, a makeshift incubator was made for the 1 1/2-pounds baby boy that managed to keep him alive until the ship reached port.

Emily Morgan said Thursday that after she gave birth on August 31 to a baby who wasn't due until December, doctors didn't expect her son Haiden to live. Thanks to the makeshift incubator and an early arrival in Puerto Rico, the miracle baby survived and is now receiving care at a neonatal intensive care unit in Miami.

The 28-year-old mother said that although her baby was due in December, contractions began on August 31 during a seven-day cruise around the eastern Caribbean. The family went on the cruise to celebrate their daughter's third birthday, and because the Morgan was only six months pregnant, her doctor approved the cruise.

When Morgan's contractions started, a doctor aboard the Royal Caribbean ship told her she couldn't give birth because they were still 14 hours from the nearest port. However, Morgan knew the baby was coming. After the baby was delivered, doctors reportedly told her that she had miscarried and should get some rest. Instead, Morgan insisted on seeing the baby. The doctors then said that the baby did survive but wasn't expected to live long. Morgan said:

As the hours went on, Morgan wrapped the baby in fresh, dry towels and helped staff tuck microwave saline packets around him to create a makeshift incubator. They used a sanitary napkin to keep his head warm. The captain was speeding the boat to Puerto Rico which caused it to arrive two hours early.

Had the ship arrived at the later expected time, Haiden may not have survived. By the time the ship reached port, the baby's fingers were becoming black, indicating that his circulation was fading.

Now, Haiden is making good progress. He's expected to stay in the hospital until his December 19 due date, but the family is hoping to transport him to a Utah hospital at the end of October if he's strong enough.

Watch this video to learn about other babies born at sea:

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