A 29-year-old mother with uterine abnormalities had experienced two previous pregnancies through in-vitro fertilization. During this pregnancy, at 20 weeks, an ultrasound revealed a cervical length of 24-25 mm. A normal cervical length during pregnancy is 30-50 mm, and a measurement below 25 mm before 24 weeks can increase the risk of premature birth. Doctors prescribed medication to mitigate this risk.

By week 27, the mother experienced continuous bleeding and was rushed to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Center collaborated with neonatologists to prepare for potential complications. The mother received two doses of corticosteroids to promote fetal lung development. A week later, she experienced contractions and, despite receiving tocolytic medication, delivered a baby girl naturally at 28 weeks.

The baby weighed nearly 1.5 kg at birth and suffered from respiratory distress. The neonatal team provided non-invasive respiratory support and stabilized her body temperature in the delivery room before transferring her to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for incubation.

Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Dung from the NICU explained that while the baby was extremely premature and experiencing respiratory distress, surfactant administration wasn't necessary as she could breathe with low-flow non-invasive ventilation. A few days later, she transitioned to CPAP and eventually breathed without assistance. She continued receiving oxygen for approximately 10 days. The team initiated intravenous feeding combined with early breastfeeding. The baby tolerated the milk well, her intake gradually increased, and intravenous feeding was stopped after a week, transitioning fully to oral feeding.

The mother was allowed into the NICU on the second day after birth. Nurses guided her on kangaroo care techniques to help regulate the baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, reduce apnea episodes, and strengthen the mother-child bond, providing reassurance to the mother. After 7 weeks, the baby's weight reached nearly 3 kg. She was breathing and feeding independently, passed her hearing test, and showed no abnormalities in heart, abdominal, or brain ultrasounds. She was discharged with scheduled follow-up appointments and vaccinations.

The medical team caring for premature babies in the NICU. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital. *

Dr. Cam Ngoc Phuong, Director of the NICU at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized the critical need for specialized care in the first 60 minutes and 28 days of a premature infant's life. Their delicate systems are often underdeveloped and unprepared for the environment outside the womb. Depending on the individual case, respiratory support, nutritional interventions, and other appropriate measures are implemented to prevent complications associated with premature birth.

Close monitoring of physical and mental development is crucial for premature babies during their first two years. Their weight, height, and head circumference may be below average, and developmental milestones like rolling over, crawling, sitting, walking, and talking are often delayed compared to full-term infants. Parents should consult with their pediatrician to track their baby's development based on adjusted age (calculated from the due date rather than the actual birth date).

Ngoc Chau