A BABY that was born 11 weeks premature celebrated her first birthday last month.

First-time mum Paris Simms, from Cirencester, had gone to Great Western Hospital in Swindon last January worried about the reduced movements of unborn baby Poppie.

“They decided her heart rate was down,” explained Paris, 26. “I was back and forth a few times before I was admitted, and a few days later they took me in for a C-Section.”

Poppie was just 2 lbs and 14 oz when she was born on January 18, 2016 and was then kept in hospital for six weeks.

“It was very hard leaving her every day,” said Paris. “But I knew she was in safe hands. I knew they would look after her.”

Poppie was then able to leave hospital before her original due date at the start of April.

Doctors told Paris they wouldn’t know if her little daughter would have “any additional needs” due to how premature she was, until she is around two-years-old.

“She’s slower on her development, said Paris. “They can’t tell if she will have anything mentally wrong until she is talking and goes to nursery.”

Paris, who worked in a fast food restaurant prior to taking maternity leave, will therefore not go back to work for around another year as she looks after Poppie full-time.

Poppie celebrated her first birthday with Paris and dad Daniel, as well as their family.

According to NHS figures, one baby in every 13 is born prematurely.

Doctors consider a baby premature when they’re born before 37 weeks of gestation.

Some babies born prior to 37 weeks may not experience any noticeable side effects, but others can have symptoms and disorders associated with their prematurity.

A baby born at 25 weeks has a survival rate of 80 per cent.

The earliest baby to have ever survived premature birth was born at 21 weeks and six days.