In a case the highlighting the power of coordinated maternal and neonatal care, doctors at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital successfully managed a high-risk pregnancy, delivering an extremely premature baby at just 27 weeks of gestation, weighing 1.2 kg. Despite the significant challenges associated with such an early delivery, the seamless collaboration between specialists ensured both mother and baby received timely and advanced care, leading to a strong recovery for both.
Mrs. Shagufta Yasmin, 38 years old, was in her second pregnancy after a gap of nearly eight years and had a history of preterm delivery. Her first child, born at 29 weeks, had required ventilator support in the ICU. Encouraged by her older sister’s successful treatment for a similar condition under Dr. Suruchi Desai, Director – High Risk Obstetrics at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, the patient chose to seek care under Dr. Desai for her pregnancy.
Speaking about the case, Dr Suruchi Desai said, “In the 25th week, the patient developed a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis (a condition that affects the normal flow of bile and causes build-up), along with elevated liver enzymes. She was also being managed for gestational diabetes from the 22nd week and had a high body mass index, which made the pregnancy more complex.”
As the mother’s condition progressed, the team decided to perform an emergency caesarean section at 27 weeks to ensure the safety of both mother and the baby. The newborn was immediately shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialised care. The mother recovered well after the surgery and was discharged on the fifth day.
Speaking about the challenges faced by premature babies, Dr Tejal Shetty, Consultant, Paediatrics and Paediatric Intensive Care, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Babies born this early often face breathing, feeding, and immunity challenges as their organs are still developing. In this case, the baby was managed on CPAP (a non-invasive breathing support system) without requiring a ventilator.”
With careful monitoring and treatment, the baby was discharged after 51 days, weighing nearly 2 kgs. For the family, the journey was both difficult and reassuring. The mother shared that despite the challenges, the constant support from the doctors and NICU team helped her remain calm, and described bringing her baby home as an overwhelming and joyful moment.
With this, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, reinforces its expertise in integrated maternal and newborn care, with a focus on guiding both mother and baby through every stage of recovery.