CTO - After 14 consecutive days of intensive monitoring and treatment, doctors from the Pediatrics Department of Nam Can Tho University Hospital successfully saved the life of a premature baby who had been facing multiple life-threatening complications.

The expectant mother, N.T.K.N (33 years old, residing in Can Tho City), who was 32 weeks and 3 days pregnant, was admitted to Nam Can Tho University Hospital with symptoms of abdominal pain and bleeding. Upon examination, the obstetricians detected signs of preterm labor and immediately transferred the patient to the delivery room, where a neonatal resuscitation team from the Pediatrics Department was on standby. The baby, weighing 1,900 grams, was born showing signs of respiratory distress — weak crying, chest retraction, cyanosis, poor muscle tone, and a low Apgar score. Pediatricians promptly provided assisted ventilation using a face mask. After five minutes, the baby’s skin regained its pink color and was immediately transferred to the Neonatal Unit of the Pediatrics Department at Nam Can Tho University Hospital for further care.

At the unit, the baby was placed in an incubator and received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via nasal delivery to treat respiratory distress. The medical team also monitored and regulated the infant’s body temperature, provided intravenous nutrition, administered antibiotics, and initiated early breastfeeding. After two weeks of continuous monitoring and timely treatment, the baby’s condition gradually improved — breathing spontaneously, feeding well, and no longer requiring medical interventions. The infant is now in stable condition and has been discharged from the hospital.

Dr. Pham Thanh Huy, Specialist Level I and Deputy Head of the Pediatrics Department, stated that premature infants are often underweight, with underdeveloped organs — especially the lungs — which makes them highly susceptible to serious neonatal conditions such as severe respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal infections, hypothermia, severe jaundice, cardiac disorders, and intestinal inflammation. Without specialized care, these infants may experience respiratory failure, circulatory collapse, delayed physical and intellectual development, and even life-threatening complications. The doctor emphasized that expectant mothers should receive all recommended vaccinations before and during pregnancy, attend regular prenatal checkups as scheduled, and properly manage preexisting conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. Pregnant women should also closely monitor fetal movements and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, dizziness, signs of preterm labor, or pelvic abnormalities to ensure timely intervention and the safety of both mother and child.