Jacksonville mom, baby recovering after emergency delivery during fetal surgery

A Jacksonville mom and her newborn daughter are recovering after an emergency delivery during fetal surgery.

Yuliana is 9 days old.

She was born April 19 while she and her mom Yulia Vina were undergoing a rare fetal surgery in Houston to correct her spina bifida.

When her heart rate began to drop, doctors made the decision to deliver despite her mom carrying her for only 25 ½ weeks.

She weighed 2 pounds, 3 ounces.

"God has blessed us with a miracle baby with a strong fighting chance," Bradley Vina, Yuliana's father, said.

Bradley Vina said doctors told him that she's doing well above average for babies delivered as early as she was.

They're monitoring her respiratory system and fluid in her brain, but she's already gained several ounces, he said.

Yulia, who is doing well after the surgery, got to hold her daughter for the first time Thursday.

It was an emotional moment that the couple shared with family and friends via Facebook Live.

The couple will remain in Houston and Yuliana will stay in the NICU in Houston until she's at least full term.

When she's healthy enough to be released, she will have corrective surgery for her club foot.

"We have a long journey ahead us and we are blessed to have support from our friends, family, and the community," Bradley Vina said.

Bradley Vina has been sharing the Yuliana's journey on a GoFundMe page.

Cox Media Group