Born at 26 weeks, baby battled NEC and very low blood pressure (Shock); parents’ welcome son 17 years after first child
At just 530 grams, he was small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Nearly three months later, the baby boy has beaten a series of life-threatening complications and gone home breastfeeding and gaining weight.
Born at 26 weeks at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, the baby was severely growth-restricted after his mother developed very high blood pressure during pregnancy. He required respiratory support soon after birth and later developed Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) and Shock, a serious intestinal condition.
Doctors stopped milk feeds for nearly three weeks and provided intravenous nutrition while treating his critical condition. Feeds were then restarted cautiously as his intestine recovered.
“At 530 grams and 26 weeks, his organs were extremely immature. Our priority was to save his life while preventing long-term damage to his vital organs,” said Dr Hemant Sharma, who treated the baby.
Despite the complications, the baby did not develop brain bleeding (IVH), while his brain and cardiac assessments remained reassuring.
His mother, Sonia Sharma, was trained in Kangaroo Mother Care and later began breastfeeding him.
The baby has been advised regular follow-up for vision, hearing, growth and neurodevelopment.
