Chennai, March 10th, 2026: Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, a part of Fortis Healthcare, successfully treated and discharged a 610-gram, 25-week premature infant born to a mother suffering from severe pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The baby, the second child of the family with prior a history of preterm birth, faced significant challenges from birth, including extremely immature lungs and heart, requiring prolonged respiratory support, management of multiple septic episodes, and feeding difficulties.

The baby’s father, a resident of Chennai, visited Gleneagles Hospital Chennai for consultation with Dr. Padmapriya Vivek, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Robotic Surgeon, to receive expert pregnancy care for the mother. Due to the mother’s high blood pressure with comorbidities, Dr. Padmapriya decided to perform an emergency LSCS (Lower Segment Caesarean Section) on 30th October 2025 to safeguard the mother’s health. A baby girl weighing just 610 grams was delivered at 25 weeks of gestation.

“The baby’s survival was highly questionable due to the reversal of blood flow in the umbilical artery, which indicated severe fetal distress. Acting swiftly, we performed an emergency procedure to deliver and support the premature infant.”, said, Dr. Padmapriya Vivek, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Robotic Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai

Post delivery, the newborn was immediately shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in critical condition. Initially, the baby required ventilatory support and was administered a dose of surfactant to help address lung immaturity. The baby received invasive ventilation for 10 days, followed by non-invasive ventilation support through the nose for two months. Another significant challenge was the management of the baby's low birth weight and feeding challenges due to immature gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The clinical team carefully introduced feeds in a gradual and monitored manner based on tolerance, ensuring steady weight gain with appropriate nutritional support.

“After over 100 days of intensive medical care and continuous monitoring, the baby did not develop any brain haemorrhage, eye damage (ROP), and oxygen dependency,” said Dr. Shreela Sherine Pauliah, Senior Consultant, Neonatology, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai. The baby's condition was stabilized, and the risk of complications was significantly reduced. The baby's lung health improved, and on the 41st week, the baby had gained weight to 1.8 kg and was discharged from the hospital with no major complications, added Dr Shreela

“We have the best high risk pregnancy unit and good neonatal service and this case highlights the capabilities of our NICU team in managing extremely premature infants with complex needs, our multidisciplinary approach and commitment to advanced neonatal care enabled us to navigate the challenges and achieve a positive outcome for this tiny baby” said Ms. Niranjani, COO, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai.

The baby was discharged on 13th February 2026 after being in the NICU for over 100 days. Recently the baby came for review, and she had gained weight of 2.15 kg with no complications.