Infant Son of President John F. Kennedy. By August of 1963, Jackie Kennedy had been pregnant for over 27 weeks. This was her fifth pregnancy; all prior pregnancies had been difficult. She had had a miscarriage in 1955, followed by a stillbirth. The next two children were healthy, although John Jr. was premature. With this knowledge, she requested that her doctor, John Walsh, accompany her on her summer trip to Massachusetts. On the morning of August 7th, there was a horse trip. While riding, she went into labor. Dr. Walsh was summoned. The family was taken to Otis Air Force Base, where John F. Kennedy would be coming from the White House to meet them. Patrick was born by C-section. He was the first child since the 19th century who was born to a sitting United States President. Due to his premature birth, he weighed less than 5 pounds. A short while after his birth, Patrick began having symptoms of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome. When his father arrived, the baby was quickly baptized and named Patrick (for his grandfather and great-grandfather) Bouvier (his mother's maiden name). Many medical interventions were attempted to assist Patrick's ability to breathe. However, after 39 hours, Patrick passed away in a hyperbaric chamber. His funeral mass was held the following day. Patrick's death occasioned mourning throughout the nation. His death led to improvements in medical technology for infant respiratory problems.
Infant Son of President John F. Kennedy. By August of 1963, Jackie Kennedy had been pregnant for over 27 weeks. This was her fifth pregnancy; all prior pregnancies had been difficult. She had had a miscarriage in 1955, followed by a stillbirth. The next two children were healthy, although John Jr. was premature. With this knowledge, she requested that her doctor, John Walsh, accompany her on her summer trip to Massachusetts. On the morning of August 7th, there was a horse trip. While riding, she went into labor. Dr. Walsh was summoned. The family was taken to Otis Air Force Base, where John F. Kennedy would be coming from the White House to meet them. Patrick was born by C-section. He was the first child since the 19th century who was born to a sitting United States President. Due to his premature birth, he weighed less than 5 pounds. A short while after his birth, Patrick began having symptoms of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome. When his father arrived, the baby was quickly baptized and named Patrick (for his grandfather and great-grandfather) Bouvier (his mother's maiden name). Many medical interventions were attempted to assist Patrick's ability to breathe. However, after 39 hours, Patrick passed away in a hyperbaric chamber. His funeral mass was held the following day. Patrick's death occasioned mourning throughout the nation. His death led to improvements in medical technology for infant respiratory problems.
Bio by: Tangent
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Patrick Bouvier Kennedy
August 7, 1963—August 9, 1963
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