Mysore/Mysuru: Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, conducted a programme on Neonatal ICU Care to raise awareness on premature birth and the need for specialised care for such babies to improve survival and avoid complications later in life.

Paediatricians, the NICU team, nursing staff and patients of the hospital participated in the programme to share their views and experiences about premature birth and post prenatal care.

A normal pregnancy usually is of 40 weeks. A baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy is known as a premature baby. Premature babies are at higher risk of health complications as compared to full-term babies. Globally about 1 in 10 babies born is pre-mature every year.

Complications associated with pre-term births include breathing difficulties due to underdeveloped lungs, circulation problems due to underdeveloped heart, inability to maintain body temperature, poor immunity, under-nutrition due to inability to suck, anaemia, neonatal jaundice, Severe Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a life-threatening gastrointestinal condition, bleeding inside the brain, etc.

Premature babies are also at higher risk of developing cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, behavioural and psychological problems, vision and hearing problems. Raising awareness about the risk factors and treatment options of the same can help reduce disability related to premature birth.

“The common risk factors for preterm birth include blood pressure disorders in pregnancy, height <1.5m, premature rupture of membranes and foetal distress, previous history of premature birth, multiple pregnancies, <6 months gap between 2 pregnancies, IVF therapy, smoking, maternal infections, obesity, malnutrition, stress, multiple miscarriages or abortions and trauma,” said Dr. U.S. Bhuvaneshwar, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatology, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialised hospital setting that provides round-the-clock care for premature babies. Paediatricians, NICU staff and nurses work closely with one another to provide optimal respiratory support, nutrition and all necessary care to the premature baby to improve survival rates and prevent complications, said Dr. Y.C.  Anil Kumar,  Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatology,  Manipal Hospital, Mysuru.

Sharing her experience of NICU care at Manipal Hospital, Munzarin said, “When I became pregnant, my baby was born at 27 weeks, weighing just 1.2 kgs at birth. Baby needed good medical care to improve chances of survival. I cannot thank enough the entire NICU team of Manipal Hospital who worked day and night to make sure my little one was fine. They also took good care of me and provided me emotional support at that very difficult phase of my life.”

Maria Thresa, Associate Manager – Nursing and her team spoke about the importance of carefully nurturing a premature new-born. It is an emotionally challenging time for the parents and we ensure time and again to take utmost care of the baby and the parents.