Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, Chetpet, has successfully treated and saved an extremely premature baby girl born at just 24 weeks of gestation, weighing only 530 grams at birth. After receiving 97 days of specialised care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby was discharged in stable condition, weighing 1.6 kg.
High-Risk Pregnancy Led to Emergency Delivery
The mother, an international patient, sought pregnancy care at Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals. During her pregnancy, she developed pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure), which posed a serious risk to both her and the baby. Consequently, the medical team performed an emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) nearly four months before the expected due date.
The baby girl, born in January 2026, arrived during the periviable period—at just 24 weeks of gestation—when survival remains uncertain despite advances in neonatal medicine. Since her lungs, heart, brain and intestines were severely underdeveloped, she required immediate admission to the NICU, where a multidisciplinary team initiated advanced life-saving treatment.
Intensive NICU Care Supported the Baby’s Recovery
The medical team administered surfactant therapy, mechanical ventilation and medications to stabilise the baby’s blood pressure and support her immature cardiovascular system. In addition, the infant remained on mechanical ventilation for nearly three weeks.
Throughout her NICU stay, the baby faced multiple risks commonly associated with extreme prematurity, including respiratory distress, infections, feeding intolerance and bleeding in the brain. However, the multidisciplinary team comprising specialists from Neonatology, Paediatrics, Nursing, Nutrition, Radiology and Rehabilitation Services continuously monitored her condition and promptly addressed complications whenever they arose.
Furthermore, careful nutritional planning, respiratory support and timely medical interventions gradually helped the baby overcome the most critical phase of her recovery.
As per the hospital’s press release, the coordinated efforts of multiple specialists and access to advanced neonatal care played a crucial role in achieving this positive outcome.
Expert Highlights the Significance of the Case
“A full-term pregnancy typically lasts between 37 and 40 weeks. Babies born before 25 weeks are considered extremely premature, and their chances of survival remain uncertain. This baby is among the smallest babies to have survived and been successfully discharged from Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals. The successful outcome underscores the importance of advanced neonatal care and the coordinated efforts of a specialised multidisciplinary team in managing extreme prematurity,” said Dr. Arun Krishnan B., Neonatologist, Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, Chetpet.
Baby Discharged Healthy After 97 Days
After 97 days of intensive care, the baby successfully transitioned to oral feeding and tolerated nutrition independently. Subsequently, the hospital discharged her at a healthy weight of 1.6 kg.
During a follow-up evaluation, the medical team confirmed that the infant remains healthy, continues to achieve age-appropriate developmental milestones and has shown no significant complications, reflecting the success of the specialised neonatal care provided throughout her hospital stay.