Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by saving the life of a micro-preemie born at just 23 weeks of gestation and weighing a mere 680 grams. After spending over 100 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby was discharged in good health, weighing 2.26 kilograms. This landmark achievement highlights the expertise and dedication of Dr. Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician; Dr. Anish Pillai, Lead Consultant in Neonatology and Pediatrics; Dr. Sanju Sidaraddi; Dr. Amit Ghawade; and their dedicated NICU team.

A High-Risk Journey to Birth

The baby’s mother, Neha (name changed), a 37-year-old first-time mother, experienced complications from the early stages of her pregnancy. She initially reported mild spotting during her first trimester, which was stabilized through rest and care. However, at 22 weeks, Neha’s condition worsened with symptoms of abdominal heaviness and unusual discharge. Tests revealed cervical shortening to 2.8 cm, signaling a risk of preterm labor. Doctors performed a cervical cerclage to manage the risk and advised strict bed rest and medications.

At 23 weeks, Neha developed a urinary tract infection, exacerbating her condition. Despite interventions to promote fetal lung development, she experienced heavy bleeding, and her cervical stitches began to fail. After consulting Neha and her family, the medical team decided on an emergency cesarean delivery, fully aware of the challenges posed by extreme prematurity.

A Fight for Survival in the NICU

Delivered at just 23 weeks and 5 days, the baby faced a host of complications associated with extreme prematurity. These included respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), anemia of prematurity, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Additionally, a minor intraventricular hemorrhage was detected on the first brain ultrasound scan but resolved over time. Under the care of Dr. Anish Pillai and the neonatal team, these challenges were addressed through a combination of advanced therapies, medications, and round-the-clock monitoring.

To ensure optimal nutrition, the NICU team relied on exclusive human milk support. When maternal milk was insufficient, pasteurized donor human milk was provided. The baby’s care also included skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Mother Care), a practice that promotes bonding and stabilizes vital signs in preterm infants.

A Miraculous Recovery

“Every day in the NICU was a testament to the strength of this little fighter and the unwavering belief of his parents,” said Dr. Pillai. Despite initial setbacks, the baby began to thrive, crossing the critical 1-kilogram milestone and steadily gaining weight. By the time of discharge, he had normal results in brain ultrasounds, hearing tests, and neurological assessments. The baby is now feeding well, gaining weight, and achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones.

Parental Gratitude and Emotional Support

“The love and affection we received from the entire Motherhood team was truly heartwarming,” said Avinash (name changed), the baby’s father. “The dedication of the staff went far beyond professional responsibilities, and we felt like we were part of a family.”

A Beacon of Hope for Families

This case underscores the importance of specialized neonatal care and early interventions in high-risk pregnancies. The medical team’s prompt response and comprehensive care were pivotal in overcoming the odds.

Dr. Thamke reflected, “This journey reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional care for mothers and babies, no matter how complex the situation.”

Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, continues to set benchmarks in maternal and neonatal healthcare, blending cutting-edge medical technology with a compassionate approach. This success story serves as an inspiration for families navigating similar challenges, showcasing the resilience of life and the transformative power of expert medical care.