A team of highly skilled obstetricians and neonatologists at a leading Mumbai hospital has successfully saved the life of a micro-preemie born at just 23 weeks of gestation, weighing a mere 680 grams. After spending over 100 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby was discharged in stable health, weighing 2.26 kg.
A Life-Saving Journey for a 23-Week Preemie
The mother, Neha (name changed), a 37-year-old first-time mom, faced multiple complications throughout her pregnancy, starting with mild spotting in the first trimester. After initial treatment and proper care, her condition stabilized, but at 22 weeks, Neha began experiencing unusual symptoms, including abdominal pain and discharge. Medical tests revealed her cervix had shortened to 2.8 cm, indicating an imminent risk of preterm labor. Doctors performed a cervical cerclage procedure to prevent further complications, followed by strict bed rest and medication to control contractions.
However, at 23 weeks, Neha developed a urinary tract infection and experienced more severe symptoms. Despite efforts to stabilize her condition, including injections to aid the baby’s lung development, she suffered heavy bleeding, and the cervical stitches failed, leading to the opening of her cervix. After careful deliberation with Neha and her family, the medical team decided on an emergency cesarean section, knowing the risks involved with delivering at such an early stage.
At just 23 weeks and 5 days, Neha delivered a boy weighing 680 grams. Babies born before 24 weeks face extreme challenges, as their organs are not fully developed, and the chances of survival are extremely low—often less than 30-40%, even in the best neonatal units globally.
Expert Care and Challenges in the NICU
The neonatal team at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, led by Dr. Anish Pillai, promptly took charge of the newborn’s care. Despite the high risks, the baby boy was placed in an incubator and closely monitored, receiving life-saving treatments. Common complications for babies born this prematurely include respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), anemia, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). These issues were managed effectively with a combination of medication and specialized therapy.
Moreover, a brain ultrasound initially revealed a minor intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which resolved over time. Continuous skin-to-skin care (Kangaroo Mother Care) and exclusive human milk support were also crucial in promoting the baby’s growth and overall well-being. When Neha’s milk supply was insufficient, donor breast milk was provided to meet the baby’s nutritional needs during the critical first days.
“The early days were extremely challenging, but this case underscores the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care for extremely premature infants,” said Dr. Pratima Thamke, Obstetrician at Motherhood Hospitals. “From managing Neha’s pregnancy complications to providing specialized care to the baby, this journey highlights the importance of customized medical solutions.”
A Remarkable Recovery
Over the next few months, the baby showed significant improvement. Initially, he dropped below 600 grams in weight but began thriving once he surpassed the 1 kg milestone. By the time of discharge, he had gained weight and met developmental milestones. Neurological assessments, including brain scans and hearing tests, all came back normal, giving his parents a reason to celebrate.
Dr. Pillai expressed, “Every day in the NICU was a testament to the baby’s resilience and the dedication of the entire medical team. The family’s support and optimism played a key role in the baby’s recovery.”
Neha and her husband, Avinash (name changed), expressed immense gratitude to the NICU staff for their unwavering care and emotional support. “The team treated us like family. We never felt like patients; instead, they made us feel part of their own,” Avinash shared.
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