Miracle Fetal Surgery Saves Baby Born 14 Weeks Early

Rebecca Price and Anthony Wileman, after three years of trying to conceive, were overjoyed to discover Rebecca was pregnant, a Christmas Eve gift after facing odds of natural conception and potential termination. Their joy was tempered by early scares and a diagnosis of spina bifida at their 20-week scan. Fortunately, Rebecca was eligible for fetal surgery, a procedure performed on babies while still in the womb.

This life-saving surgery required the couple to travel to UZ Leuven hospital in Belgium. The procedure, undertaken on May 25, 2026, was deemed a success, but Rebecca later contracted sepsis from an infection. Tragically, this led to premature labor, and their son, Levi Wileman, was born via C-section on June 2, 2026, 14 weeks ahead of schedule. He weighed a mere 1Ib 9oz and required immediate transfer to neonatal intensive care.

The family's ordeal is ongoing as they remain in Belgium, uncertain when they can return home with Levi, whose due date was in September 2026. While the NHS covers medical expenses and accommodation, the couple initially travelled with minimal belongings. A Just Giving page has since raised over £1,000 to assist with their unforeseen costs. Despite the immense stress and uncertainty, the parents express profound gratitude for the medical care and the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers, finding hope in their son's resilience.