TTH Successfully Performs Delivery of Extreme Preterm Baby

Tree Top Hospital (TTH) has successfully delivered an extremely preterm baby born only after 26 weeks of gestation with a low birth of 885 grams. The baby was discharged home at the age of 2 months after being treated at the hospital.

TTH has experience in caring for premature babies in the past, however, this particular case was unique as it posed enormous risks to the baby’s survival with many complications. The Neonatology and Pediatrics department and the NICU nurses provided professional care to the baby and were able to generate positive results without any major complications. The parents of the baby shared “I’m extremely happy with how the whole procedure went. The Care team of TTH made sure that everything goes smoothly for us. It was a very smooth journey”.

The attending doctor, Senior Consultant Neonatologist Dr. Ingrid stated, “This baby is an extremely low birth weight baby (birth weight < 1000 g), has been discharged from TTH at the age of 2 months. The beginning of his life route started early, at ongoing 26 weeks of gestation, a situation where the risks are enormous, and the outcome unpredictable.

She added “We are very proud of this baby who went through all the challenges together with the NICU team without any major complication, no neurosensory impairment or signs of physical abnormalities which is a huge achievement for the whole health care team in TTH as well as for the Maldives”.

Cases of preterm labour can arise from various reasons including infections, pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, abnormalities in the cervix or uterus and even from multiple pregnancies. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drug abuse, and poor nutrition intake can also increase the risk of preterm labour.

TTH’s Paediatrics and Neonatology department provides quality medical care and attention to children in a homely ambience. The department consists of a fully equipped neonatal unit (NICU) comprising ventilators, incubators, warmers, infusion pumps and other essential equipment. This allows it to offer full support for preterm babies and babies with complications such as birth asphyxia and congenital malformations. Combined with a team of highly-trained paediatricians and neonatologists to cater to a wide range of health concerns related to newborns, pre-term babies and children of different ages, the department is a unique find in the Maldives.