In a remarkable medical achievement, a baby girl born at just 27 weeks of gestation and weighing only 520 grams has survived against overwhelming odds. After nearly three months of intensive care at Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) in Mangaluru, she is now thriving. Believed to be among the smallest babies successfully cared for and discharged from the hospital, her journey is a reflection of medical expertise, parental determination, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Fertility Treatment and High-Risk Pregnancy
The couple, after several years of marriage, realized their dream of parenthood through fertility treatment under the guidance of Dr. Shaweez Faizi at Nova IVF. Given the precious nature of the pregnancy, the expectant mother was closely monitored throughout the antenatal period by Dr. Joylene D’Almeida, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and consultant at FMMCH. According to Dr. Joylene, the pregnancy progressed well until the mother went into preterm labor at 24 weeks. Recognizing the risks associated with extreme prematurity, the obstetric team led by Dr. Joylene successfully prolonged the pregnancy by nearly three weeks through specialized medications, vigilant monitoring, and maternal care, allowing the baby to remain in the womb until 27 weeks of gestation.
Delivery and Immediate Care
On February 11, the baby girl was delivered by cesarean section by the team led by Dr. Joylene D’Almeida, assisted by Dr. Shannon. Weighing just 520 grams, she was immediately shifted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies weighing less than 1,000 grams are classified as extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW), making her one of the most fragile patients modern medicine encounters. Under the leadership of Dr. Mario Bukelo, consultant pediatrician and neonatal medicine specialist, supported by Dr. Jason, developmental pediatrician, and a dedicated team of neonatal nurses and doctors, the infant received highly specialized neonatal care. Dr. Sripathi Kamath, ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon, treated her retinopathy of prematurity to safeguard her vision. Dr. Muralidhar K, fetal medicine specialist, and the anesthesia team led by Dr. Kishen Shetty also played a vital role in her care.
Progress and Discharge
After nearly three months in the NICU, the baby tripled her weight. By June, she weighed approximately 1.6 kilograms and was stable enough to be discharged. “The parents’ trust enabled doctors and nurses to provide the best possible care. In many ways, they became an essential part of the treatment team,” said Dr. Mario Bukelo. Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Joylene D’Almeida added, “This journey taught us that faith, patience, medical excellence, and parental trust can achieve what once seemed impossible. Every extra day, every extra gram, and every small victory mattered.”
