The smallest baby in the world is named 'Rumaisa,' which means 'white as milk.' Her twin sister, Hiba, weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at the time of birth. Hiba means 'gift from God.'

Normal Development Expected

Loyola also holds the previous record for the world's smallest baby -- 9.9 ounces (280 grams) at 26 weeks and six days of gestation.

"We are very excited about this case because all the studies seem to suggest that she will develop normally," said Dr. Jonathan Muraskas, professor of pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, who has been caring for both babies since they were born.

"Ultrasounds have shown that Rumaisa's head is normal and there is no bleeding in her brain, which is a common complication that can put a baby at risk for cerebral palsy," Muraskas said. Both babies underwent laser surgery to correct vision problems, which also is a common complication. "We anticipate an excellent visual prognosis," he added.

Rumaisa means "white as milk" in India. Hiba means "gift from God." Both babies are receiving minimal oxygen to help with respiratory functions and are taking all their feedings by bottle. Premature babies often need oxygen since their lungs have not reached a complete level of maturity. Hiba may be discharged as early as Christmas. Rumaisa may go home during the first week of January.

Pregnancy Complication Compelled Early Delivery

"I was so nervous because I didn't know what to expect from preemies," said Mahajabeen (Ma-ha-zha-been) Shaik, 23, mother of the twin daughters. "We are happy they are both doing well," said Mohammed Abdul Rahman, 32, father of the girls. The couple lives in Hanover Park, Illinois.

"Loyola's success in taking care of these complicated cases is due to the collaborative relationship between obstetricians and neonatologists with the support of a highly experienced and skilled team of nurses, respiratory therapists and other professionals," said Dr. William MacMillan, associate professor, maternal-fetal medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. MacMillan was the obstetrician who oversaw Mrs. Rahman's care and delivered the twins.

Mahajabeen learned that she was going to have twins during her second month of pregnancy. There is a history of twin pregnancies on her side of the family. Their daughters were conceived naturally. These are the parents' first children.

Mahajabeen came to Loyola at 24 weeks gestation from another institution. She was hospitalized at Loyola for 9 days. The twin sisters were born early because Mahajabeen developed severe preeclampsia (high blood pressure), which was affecting Rumaisa's activity in the womb and the mother's health.

Mother Wept at Infants' Size

The parents were able to see their daughters for the first time on the second day of birth. "I was crying because they were both so small," recalls Mahajabeen. "I was not expecting them to be so small."

Because their daughters were in incubators with IVs, the parents initially were unable to hold them. "We could only touch them," remembers the mother. The parents were finally able to hold their daughters during their second month. "It was such a great feeling, to be able to hold my babies, touch them and kiss them," Mahajabeen said.