Doctors successfully deliver 649 grams premature baby: Know all about this rare case

A premature baby was successfully delivered at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar despite all odds. Read on to know more about this rare case that occurs only 1 in 1000.

By: Arushi Bidhuri | | Updated: February 23, 2021 11:48 am

Doctors successfully deliver 649 grams premature baby

Premature delivery is a birth that takes place before the 37th week of the estimated due date. Premature babies are at a higher risk of medical problems like jaundice, kidney problems, infections, breathing problems, heart problems and more. It also becomes a challenge for doctors to deliver a healthy premature baby. But a breakthrough case at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar successfully delivered a 649 grams premature baby. A baby girl weighing 649 grams was born at 28 – 29 weeks (FGR) after fighting all the odds at the hospital amidst the pandemic. The baby was discharged hail & healthy after a stay of 75 days in the NICU. This is a landmark successful premature delivery at the hospital during these unprecedented times. Also Read - Kareena Kapoor Khan delivers a baby boy: Know a few post-delivery recovery rules

This Rare Case Gives Hope To Pregnant Woman With A High-Risk Pregnancy

This case has given hope to many pregnant women with a high-risk pregnancy and premature baby as there is a possibility to deliver a premature baby with higher chances of survival. Around 10% of all births happen prematurely despite efforts on the part of the medical team to stop the labour, this was a special case and the baby had to be delivered prematurely as the baby was having FGR (fetal growth restriction). Fetal growth restriction refers to a condition in which the fetus is not able to attain its genetically determined size. In other words, a baby is smaller than expected or the growth is slow or has stopped during pregnancy. Also Read - Women with a history diabetes during pregnancy more likely to develop heart disease

Dr Shaifali Patil, Consultant Gynaecologist, and Obstetrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, highlighted, “The mother had foetal growth restriction wherein the organs of the baby are not developed. She was given antenatal care and counselling about discontinuing the pregnancy as her sonography was worrisome. The outcome of the C-section was also discussed with the couple. But the couple was determined to have a baby. Family-Based Recovery (FBR) was given to the mother. Such cases are 1 in 1,000. The mother was given medicines for brain-sparing and the baby’s lung maturity. After the family’s consent, the baby was delivered by C section.” Also Read - Beware! Light pollution could increase preterm birth, says study

Dr Shaifali Patil added, “Babies born at 28 weeks of pregnancy are expected to have a weight of around 1 kg at birth. The mother had no history of any comorbidities. Hence, the reason for the baby being foetal growth-restricted is not known. However, Rachel weighed only 649 grams at the time of delivery, and she should be 29 weeks but was of only 25 weeks. Usually, the weight at 29 weeks should be around 1.5 kg. The fetal growth restriction happens in a condition where uteroplacental and fetoplacental insufficiency is seen. In this condition, the fetus does not receive enough nutrition from Placenta, which is the connection between the baby and the mother. At birth, Rachel was given a special medicine called surfactant through her trachea (breathing tube). Her breathing was supported with CPAP (a mixture of air and oxygen under pressure). The baby was delivered successfully adhering to the Covid-19 protocol and was shifted to the NICU.”

Along With Extensive Care, Breastfeeding Helped Keep The Baby Healthy

Dr Suresh Birajdar, Consultant, Pediatrics & Neonatology, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar said, “Rachel received her mother’s milk throughout her stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Only in the initial period when the mother had a limited supply of breast milk, the baby was fed with donor human milk. Feeding her with mother’s milk helped in keeping her infection-free throughout her stay of 75 days in the NICU. Kangaroo mother care, a special therapy where the baby spends time on the mothers’ chest-like a kangaroo for a few hours every day. This improves the mother and child bonding, helps in increasing the mother’s milk supply, maintaining the baby’s temperature, and increasing weight gain of the baby.”

Despite the ongoing Covid pandemic, the mother was encouraged to spend time with her baby with three cardinal protective measures using a face mask, hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing in the hospital and NICU premises. Rachel’s father was also allowed to visit and spend time with her. Both parents were asked to report any symptoms of fever, cough, cold, etc., and if present, were asked not to visit the NICU.

Premature Babies At A Higher Risk Of Infections Like Covid-19: Experts

Dr Birajdar said, “Babies born prematurely are at increased risk of acquiring all infections including Covid. The medical and nursing teams are always on their toes in implementing strict hand hygiene and infection control policies. This includes regular use of hand washing, using alcohol-based hand rub, regular cleaning of equipment in the NICU, and use of face masks and sterile gowns. In addition, we separate babies with suspected or proven infections from those without. Parents are informed not to visit their babies if they have symptoms such as fever, cold, and cough. However, for healthy parents, there is no restriction in visiting, especially mothers as it could benefit babies for their bonding and increasing milk supply. Weight of the baby on discharge – 1.58 kg. Mother has been advised to continue breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care at home. Limit the visitors at home. Hand Hygiene (handwashing with soap and water or use of sanitiser) whenever handling a baby. Come for regular follow-up with the paediatric team for assessment of weight, length, head size, and development of the baby.”

“Our story will give hope to those parents with high-risk pregnancy and subsequent risk of prematurity too. I and my family are ever grateful to the doctors at the hospital for giving our child a new lease of life,” said Rachel’s mother Janet.

Tips The Hospital Should Follow In The NICU Amid A Pandemic

Premature babies are at risk of infections as it is, which is why it is essential to take proper measures amidst the pandemic to avoid exposure to more infections. Here are some tips by the experts at Motherhood Hospitals:

Follow stringent guidelines. Wear masks, wash hands from time to time
Covid test of the NICU staff and visitors. The hospital must follow a universal sanitization protocol that includes the cleaning of premises regularly with disinfectants and terminal cleaning of the bed after discharge or transfer of the baby
Check the temperature of the visitors at the entrance, follow social distancing norms, and disinfect medical equipment

Published : February 22, 2021 10:09 am | Updated:February 23, 2021 11:48 am

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