THE JOURNEY OF A BABY BORN AT 29 WEEKS

Preterm baby was born at 29 weeks of gestation in July 2022. The mother was admitted at Vamshodaya hospital in view of severe PIH with abnormal antenatal Doppler , so baby was delivered by emergency LSCS weighing 990gm. Antenatal steroids was given.

Baby needed ventilator support soon after delivery, and he was given single dose of surfactant . He spent 24 hours on the ventilator and he was put on a non-invasive breathing support bubble CPAP to help with breathing.

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He had early onset sepsis and hsPDA on day 3 , hence was treated accordingly.

He was put on intravenous nutrition through a specialized catheter PICC soon after delivery. After 24 hours of NPO once bowel movements noted , he was started on small amounts of mothers milk (trophic feeds) through Orogastric tube. Gradually milk feeds were increased, and by two weeks, the baby was getting sufficient milk feeds. Intravenous nutrition was stopped. Oral supplements was started.

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The milk was fortified with special powder( HMF) to provide extra calories and minerals. Small oral feeding was introduced when the baby was around 34 weeks ( suckling and active swallowing start approximately 34 to 36 weeks ), and by 36 weeks she was taking all feeds orally through specialized cup/ palladia. Mother’s milk is essential for these tiny babies and prevents the risk of infection of intestines( NEC).

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Fortunately, baby did not have any bleeding in the brain ( IVH / PVL ). He did not develop eye problems/ retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) which may need laser or special injection. At the time of discharge, the baby was weighing 1.56 kg. He had a smooth course in intensive care, and we will have to wait to see his further growth and development.

NICU team at Vamshodaya has done commendable job in successfully discharging this tiny preemie.

(BIRTH WEIGHT : 990 GRAMS ,DISCHARGE WEIGHT : 1560 GRAMS ,FOLLOWUP WEIGHT : 2800 GRAMS)

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