4th smallest baby in the world born in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - According to a University of Iowa database, the 4th smallest baby born in the world is thriving at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.

When Nicki Moore was just 23 weeks pregnant, doctors knew she wouldn't make it full term.

When Nicki gave birth to Kenna 16 weeks premature, the numbers didn't look good. "They gave her less than a 10 percent chance," said Nicki after researching statistics on babies who were born at 24 weeks and very, very small.

9 ounce (272 gram) baby Kenna has more than defied the odds stacked against her from birth.

"Doctors are a lot of times bound by what they've seen and bound by science. And you know science says a lot of this isn't possible," said Nicki.

She and her husband Sam have been to the hospital almost every single day since their little girl was born on January 9th. They've heard more bad news than should ever be delivered. But recently, the tables turned and doctors started talking about the future.

"Well let's talk about Kenna going home. And I was like, 'You said the H word! You said the H word!" said Nicki.

After living for more than 4 months in the NICU at Presbyterian Hospital, Kenna is doing great. She's recently been stepped down to a special care unit and she sleeps in her own crib instead of an incubator.

While doctors don't know about any medical complications Kenna might have later in life, all signs right now point to a relatively healthy baby girl. A baby girl who's now topping out the scales at 3 pounds 8 ounces.

For a look at other tiny babies, click here.

Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.