Three-day-old baby becomes country's youngest coronavirus victim
A three-day-old baby has become the UK's youngest coronavirus victim.
Coolio Morgan's mother Kimberley, 44, tested positive for COVID-19 after she gave birth and her son lived barely 72 hours.
An inquest heard Coolio's death was partly blamed on "maternal Covid-19", as his mum carried the virus before going into labour.
The baby was born with fetal bradycardia, suffering from a low heart rate, on May 2 after Kimberley was admitted into the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, South Wales. Coolio was transferred to Singleton Hospital in Swansea where he died on 5 May.
Coroner Graeme Hughes had said Coolio’s primary cause of death was severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, meaning the brain was starved of blood and oxygen. "Maternal Covid-19" was listed as a secondary cause of death.
First-time mum Kimberley is still in hospital being treated for the effects of coronavirus. It is not believed she will be released from hospital for the baby's funeral.
Dan only allowed to see his newborn son on day he died
Kimberley’s “heartbroken” partner Carl, 49, said he’s struggling to cope after the tragedy.
He revealed he was unable to cradle his newborn son while he was being treated in intensive care.
"They told me he’d tested positive for coronavirus too, which meant I wouldn’t be allowed to see him or hold his hand.
“The only time I saw him was on the last day of his life. Singleton waited until Kim was well enough to come with me to say goodbye to him, then they turned his machine off."
Carl said Kimberly dropped to the ground screaming after she was taken to hospital to be induced.
He claims she told staff "something's not right" and was offered painkillers before collapsing.
"She took two of the tablets and shortly afterwards collapsed on the floor in agony. By now the baby’s head was showing and they had to try and get the baby out quickly, but it was too late for him,” Carl said.
Coolio was ‘their miracle baby’
The dad, who has two children from a previous relationship, has been dating Kimberly for five years and considered Coolio their "miracle baby".
"We both thought we were too old to have children and had given up on the idea, but then our miracle baby came along and we were so excited. But three days later the poor little lad was in a box,” Carl said.
"The night before, I’d watched Coolio kicking like mad inside Kim’s tummy. I just can’t believe any of this happened. It is beyond cruel.”
He believes she caught the disease in the maternity ward, which he says was located next to a Covid-19 ward "packed" with infected patients.
The couple’s neighbour, who said she didn’t want to be named, said Coolio’s death was “tragic”.
"They seem like such a nice, young couple and keep themselves to themselves. We were looking forward to having a new baby in the street but this is just unbelievable."
The inquest was opened in Pontypridd, Wales but was adjourned to await full results of a post-mortem examination.
A full hearing will be held next year with a provisional date of April 28, 2021.
Australscope
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