‘Micro-preemie’ born at 23 weeks survives after 78 days in NICU

The baby was born to a Mumbra-based couple following complications during pregnancy, including oligohydramnios and maternal fever. Born in a local hospital, the baby was shifted to a specialised NICU for advanced care.

According to Dr Anish Pillai, lead consultant, neonatology and paediatrics, the baby had multiple complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, apnea of prematurity, a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), anemia, neonatal jaundice, feeding intolerance, weak immunity and bone fragility.

“When the baby arrived on August 1, 2025, he was extremely fragile and weighed just 690 grams. Babies born this early face many challenges because their organs are not ready to function independently. Our priority was to stabilise his breathing and protect him from infections,” Dr Pillai said.

The infant required mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, tube feeding and close monitoring of cardiac, respiratory and metabolic functions.

“Over time, the baby’s lung function improved, the PDA closed with treatment, and blood and bone parameters stabilised. Feeding was gradually advanced from tube feeds to breastfeeding,” said Dr Pillai.

“The situation was unexpected, and the family was told that the baby had almost no chance of survival… When we spoke to the father, we explained that while the risks were extremely high, treatment was still possible. Once the baby showed initial signs of response, he became hopeful. He lived nearly an hour and forty minutes away, yet he travelled to the hospital every day. After birth, we provided basic stabilisation, and when the baby began to move, we informed the father that survival was possible,” the doctor said.

The infant was discharged at 1.92 kg and now weighs 2.56 kg, according to doctors.