Priyanka Chopra Discusses Challenges of Premature Birth of Daughter Malti
Priyanka Chopra's Heartfelt Revelation
Priyanka Chopra has shared her emotional experience regarding the premature birth of her daughter, Malti, who arrived at just 27 weeks. She revealed that Malti was born with a purple hue and required six blood transfusions to survive. Medical professionals indicate that infants born this early encounter distinct health challenges, but advancements in neonatal care have greatly enhanced survival rates. Malti Marie Jonas, born via surrogate in January 2022, came into the world much earlier than anticipated. Priyanka recounted her reaction upon learning about the early delivery, stating, “When we were informed she would be born at 27 weeks, I felt completely overwhelmed. I remember sitting by our fireplace for nearly nine hours.”
She further described the moment, saying, “She was purple. The NICU nurses' fingers were too large for her tiny mouth. The way they intubated her is an image that remains vivid in my mind.” At birth, Malti weighed only 1 pound and 11 ounces and needed multiple blood transfusions during her hospital stay.
Understanding Preterm Birth
What Is Preterm Birth?
A preterm birth is defined as the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation, with a typical full-term pregnancy lasting around 40 weeks. Babies born before 28 weeks, like Priyanka's daughter, are categorized as extremely preterm. Preterm birth is a significant contributor to infant mortality and can lead to long-term health issues. Fortunately, modern neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are designed to care for even the most vulnerable premature infants. Experts classify preterm births as follows:
- Late preterm: 34 to 36 weeks
- Moderate preterm: 32 to 34 weeks
- Very preterm: 28 to 32 weeks
- Extremely preterm: Before 28 weeks
A baby born at 27 weeks falls into the extremely preterm category, necessitating specialized medical attention.
Causes of Preterm Birth
Why Do Preterm Births Happen?
In many instances, the precise reasons for premature births remain unclear. Physicians may suggest early delivery if the continuation of the pregnancy poses risks to either the mother or the baby. However, several factors can elevate the likelihood of preterm birth, including:
- Multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets
- High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy
- Infections
- Uterine or cervical issues
- Stress and lifestyle factors
- A history of previous preterm births
Health Risks for Preterm Babies
What Are the Health Risks Preterm Babies Face?
Infants born prematurely may encounter both immediate and long-term health challenges due to their underdeveloped organs. Short-term complications can include respiratory issues from immature lungs, feeding difficulties, low birth weight, susceptibility to infections, and potential brain hemorrhages. Long-term risks may involve developmental delays, vision or hearing impairments, chronic lung diseases, and learning difficulties. Nevertheless, advancements in NICU care have significantly improved survival rates for even the most premature infants.
Preventing Preterm Birth
Can Preterm Births Be Prevented?
While not all preterm births can be prevented, certain measures may help lower the risk, including:
- Regular prenatal checkups
- Managing chronic health conditions
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- Reducing stress
- Seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms like contractions or bleeding