Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 10: In a remarkable medical achievement, a baby girl born at just 27 weeks of gestation and weighing only 520 grams has survived against overwhelming odds and was recently discharged from Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), Mangaluru, after nearly three months of intensive neonatal care.
Believed to be among the smallest babies ever successfully cared for and discharged in Mangaluru, her survival story reflects the combined efforts of fertility specialists, obstetricians, paediatricians, nurses and the unwavering determination of her parents.
The journey began years before the birth. After several years of marriage and unsuccessful attempts to conceive, the couple underwent fertility treatment under the guidance of Dr Shaweez Faizi at NOVA IVF. Following successful conception, the pregnancy was closely monitored by Dr Joylene D’Almeida, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology and consultant at FMMCH, considering its high-risk nature.
At 27 weeks of gestation, the expectant mother went into preterm labour, posing a significant threat to both mother and child. A multidisciplinary medical team led by Dr Joylene D’Almeida and Dr Mario Bukelo, consultant paediatrician and neonatal medicine specialist, worked intensively to manage the situation.
Through continuous monitoring, specialised medications and maternal care, the obstetric team succeeded in prolonging the pregnancy by nearly three weeks, providing the unborn child with valuable additional time for development.
The baby girl was delivered through a caesarean section at FMMCH by a team led by Dr Joylene D’Almeida and Dr Shannon on February 11. At birth, she weighed only 520 grams, placing her among the most vulnerable category of extremely low birth weight infants.
Immediately after delivery, the newborn was shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she began a prolonged battle for survival. Extreme prematurity affected multiple organ systems, requiring specialised support for breathing, feeding, temperature regulation, immunity and growth.
Under the leadership of Dr Mario Bukelo and with support from developmental paediatrician Dr Jason, along with a dedicated team of neonatal doctors and nurses, the infant received round-the-clock care. Ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon Dr Sripathi Kamath treated her for retinopathy of prematurity to preserve her vision.
The baby’s care involved continuous monitoring, specialised feeding protocols, infection prevention measures and intensive medical management. Fetal medicine specialist Dr Muralidhar K and the anaesthesia team led by Dr Kishen Shetty also played crucial roles in the treatment process.
After nearly three months in the NICU, the infant’s condition improved steadily. By June 2026, she had gained sufficient weight and stability, reaching approximately 1.6 kilograms — nearly three times her birth weight — and was declared fit for discharge.
For the parents, the discharge marked the culmination of years of hope, fertility treatment, pregnancy complications and months of uncertainty.
Speaking about the case, Dr Mario Bukelo said the parents’ unwavering trust and cooperation played a crucial role in the child’s recovery.
“The parents’ unwavering trust enabled doctors and nurses to provide the best possible care. In many ways, they became an essential part of the treatment team,” he said.
He added that the family’s experience should serve as an inspiration to parents facing premature births, emphasising that successful outcomes are often achieved when families and healthcare professionals work together.
Dr Joylene D’Almeida described the case as a testament to the progress made in fetal and neonatal medicine.
“This journey taught us that faith, patience, medical excellence and parental trust can achieve what once seemed impossible. Every extra day, every extra gram and every small victory mattered,” she said.
Doctors said the case highlights how advances in fetal medicine and neonatal care have significantly improved survival rates among extremely premature infants, offering hope to families facing similar challenges.
Today, the baby continues to grow stronger at home, with her remarkable journey standing as a symbol of resilience, medical excellence and hope.