Babies born at full term, after a gestation period of nine months, typically have a weight ranging from 2.5 to 4 kg

~The baby born with complications at birth was successfully discharged after 70 days of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care

For the first time in Pune, in a rare case,  a team led by  Dr. Umesh Vaidya and consisting of Dr. Siddharth Madabhushi, Dr. Anusha Rao, successfully delivered a micro-preemie (tiniest baby girl) at  26 weeks, weighing 600 gm. The baby’s struggle ended after 70 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and she survived various complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, anemia of prematurity, osteopenia of prematurity, retinopathy of prematurity, and neonatal jaundice.

32-year-old Sujatha Nair (name changed)*was filled with happiness as she eagerly waited to welcome her first child. Due to the preterm onset of labor on July 15,  she was admitted to Ankura Hospitals, Pune for immediate delivery.

Dr. Umesh Vaidya, Group Director & Head Neonoatologist, Senior Consultant Paediatrician said, “The mother’s condition was stable but she came in preterm labor. A female baby weighing 600 gm and 26 weeks was delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery on July 15. Micro-preemies are babies who are born  below  26 weeks birth weight (ELBW) and weigh below 750 grams. Now, due to state-of-the-art technology, advanced facilities, and expertise, the survival rates of premature babies have gone up with improved outcomes.

Dr Anusha Rao, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician said, “The baby had underdeveloped lungs while her other organs were too premature to function on their own. She was put on respiratory support for one month.  She had other complications such as anemia of prematurity, osteopenia of prematurity (weak and brittle bones), retinopathy of prematurity, and feeding intolerance. The baby was kept in the NICU and Kangaroo care initiated after 2 weeks of postnatal age.  She was on ventilatory support for 5 days and nasal CPAP  for a month. She was also given parenteral nutrition.   She was started on oral feeds at 34 weeks.  The baby was discharged after 70  days of NICU stay and weighed 1.5 kgs. Her subsequent hearing tests, ultrasonography, and blood tests were normal on follow-up.  The baby is growing well, accepting well feeds, and achieving developmental milestones as per her age.

Dr. Sidharth Madabhushi, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician said, “To prevent iatrogenic infection/sepsis, gentle handling, and good nursing care of the baby is crucial for good neurodevelopmental outcomes. This will not only ensure survival but also is necessary to achieve normal brain growth and developmental milestones in the future. Ankura Hospital is fully prepared to manage these types of emergencies with advanced facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a multi-disciplinary approach. The baby will require regular check-ups and follow-ups to track her growth and weight.”

“Our precious child is a true fighter. Born at just 26 weeks, she bravely faced and conquered every challenge that arose. She was able to survive due to the prompt care and treatment provided by the skilled team of experts at Ankura Hospital. Today, our baby is growing well and has no health issues,” concluded  Sujatha Nair (name changed)*, the mother of the baby.