Did you know? In a World Health Organization (WHO) report, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, and many of them need special care right away in order to live and grow strong. However, for others, the early days or weeks would take the specialized attention of a medical ward in order to overcome the initial health hurdles. It is here that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, provides a safe and critical environment for newborns in need of close attention.

If you are in need of locating a hospital with NICU facilities for a premature infant, it is well worth learning about when a baby can benefit from NICU care, what exists, and how special care can help. In this blog, let us explore NICU care. NICU care for premature babies and why it is essential in caring for newborn babies.

When Does a Baby Need NICU Care ?

Not every baby needs NICU care, but in some situations, specialized medical care is needed to assist them in surviving and growing. Some of the most common situations when a newborn might need NICU care are:

• Preterm Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy might not have fully developed organs and need close observation.

• Low Birth Weight: Newborns that weigh less than 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) will require assistance to maintain their body temperature, eat normally, and breathe easily.

• Difficulty Breathing: Newborns with underdeveloped lungs or complications at birth will require breathing assistance.

• Infection or Sepsis: A few babies are infected at birth or develop infection in the early hours of life and require urgent treatment.

• Congenital Conditions or Birth Defects: Newborns with defects in their heart, gastrointestinal tract, or other congenital conditions may require special care.

• Delivery Complications: Complications during labor or delivery may result in the newborn being deprived of oxygen or suffering injuries that need to be addressed in the NICU.

If your newborn is a member of one of these categories, NICU care ensures the proper medical care needed for a successful beginning in life.
 

NICU Facilities and Services

NICUs are already well-acquainted with sophisticated medical machinery and have trained neonatologists, nurses, and support staff caring for newborn infants. A few of the most important facilities and services provided in a NICU include

1. Incubators and Warmers

These are utilized to heat up the baby, particularly in cases where babies are unable to heat their bodies on their own.

2. Ventilators and Breathing Support

Newborns with breathing problems receive oxygen therapy, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), or a ventilator to support their breathing.

3. Monitoring Equipment

There is also ongoing monitoring of the baby's heart rate, respiration, oxygen levels, and blood pressure in order to respond early.

4. IV Lines and Feeding Tubes

Newborns with an inability to eat orally are administered intravenously with IV lines or feeding tubes.

5. Phototherapy Units

For jaundiced babies, phototherapy lowers elevated bilirubin levels.

6. Infection Control

NICUs have strict infection control measures to shield vulnerable infants from infection.

7. 24/7 Specialist Team

There is a 24-hour neonatologist, pediatrician, respiratory therapist, and NICU-trained nurse team.

NICU care provides babies, even those born under the most adverse conditions, with expert care that provides them with a fighting chance at life.
 

Family Support and Involvement

At NICU, not only the infant but also parents and families are nurtured in the process. Parents are informed regarding the condition of their baby, and wherever possible, they are actively encouraged to join in taking care of the baby. Kangaroo care (skin contact) is optimized to allow bonding and assist in baby growth.
 

Conclusion

We trust that you have learned something useful from this blog on NICU treatment for premature babies and newborns requiring special care. Being aware of when a baby is most likely to require NICU and how the units and specialized care work can provide reassurance for parents during times of crisis.
If your loved one or baby requires NICU care, choose a hospital like Supra Hospital, which is equipped with an advanced NICU and a team of experienced neonatologists, to ensure your newborn receives the best possible start to life.