Toddler defies doctors' expectations by learning to crawl, stand and talk after being born with huge build-up of fluid in the brain

A toddler born with congenital hydrocephalus that caused a large build-up of fluid in the brain has defied the odds - and is now learning to crawl, stand and talk.

Parents Karen, 32, and Timothy Miller, were asked if they wanted to terminate the pregnancy after a 20-week scan revealed the potentially life-changing condition.

Congenital hydrocephalus can cause learning disabilities, epilepsy, as well as problems with speech and physical coordination.

But despite this, Karen and Timothy decided to go through with the pregnancy and were delighted when their little daughter Faith was born.

Faith not only survived, but has gone from strength to strength and is starting to crawl, stand and develop her speech against the odds.

Karen, a dental hygienist from Knotts Island, North Carolina, USA, said: "The doctor could not explain why this happened, but offered termination along with genetic counselling.

"We did not want to terminate. We felt God was giving us Faith for a reason. We were pretty much told it was bad luck and could try again.

"Faith was born on a beautiful sunny Sunday on October 17th 2021. She was a planned cesarean for that Monday but my water broke unexpectedly at 39 weeks and two days.

"The way Faith entered this world on her own terms explains Faith’s personality and self-determination.

"Hearing Faith’s first cry was a breath of fresh air and any mother can attest to that feeling."

Karen and Timothy were told that Faith may need medical assistance at birth, but the little girl pulled through on her own.

Karen added: "After birth Faith was transferred to Children’s National hospital to be evaluated for shunt surgery.

"It was determined Faith had a severe case of hydrocephalus and needed treatment right away."

Faith's head had a circumference of 48.5cm at birth, compared to the usual 35cm.

An MRI scan at two days old showed a large build-up of fluid in Faith's brain and she was cleared for shunt surgery.

The incredibly invasive surgery sees a thin tube implanted in the brain to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid and transfers it somewhere else in the body.

After three days, Faith Anne was released from Children’s National.

The initial months of Faith's life brought many challenges to the first-time parents as they had no prior knowledge of her condition.

One of the main issues they encountered was how heavy her head was, and needed a lot of support.

Karen added: "She was not able to pick her head up until four almost five months.

"I did not let this discourage me and continued to work with her daily until I had to return back to work full-time."

The family regularly have follow-up appointments where Faith undergoes MRI scans to monitor her brain's growth progression.

Faith’s physical progress is slower in comparison to most babies her age, however, she is getting closer and beating a lot of the odds.

She receives physical therapy twice-a-month for 30 mins to one hour.

Faith is now able to feed herself, drink out of a 360-cup, and do other fine motor skills, but is showing a delay in gross motor skills.

Karen said: "She can sit unassisted, roll from front to back, scoot on her belly backwards - still working on forward - stand with assistance, and walk a few steps in her walker with some convincing."

A paediatric neurologist has told the family that the most-affected areas of her health will be Faith's vision.

Karen said: "Her vision seems normal and we thank god daily.

"Faith is able to say 'mama,' 'dada,' 'bye bye,' 'puppy,' and we think she tries to say 'Cooper' our dog's name.

"Recently, a week before her first birthday she started having episodes of epilepsy, so she is now being treated with the generic version of Keppra.

"She seems to be tolerating the mediation well and attends a regular daycare and loves to socialize with other children.

"We believe being around other kids will encourage her to push her limits."