Common Newborn Complications That Require NICU Care

The moment your baby arrives and you hear their cry for the first time, there is a volcano of emotions that you might not have felt before. You hold them close and want to take them home within a day or two.

But sometimes, childbirth takes a different path. In some cases, newborns are rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of complications (for example, anaemia, feeding problems, respiratory distress syndrome, low blood sugar, etc.); it's a natural human emotion to feel scared and wonder, "What has gone wrong? Is my baby going to be okay?"

The good news is that many of these newborn complications are treatable with timely medical care under expert care. NICUs have a specialised layout, equipment, and clinical staff that provide advanced care to newborns. This gives babies the extra support they need until they are strong enough to thrive on their own. Some babies stay for just a few days, while others, particularly a premature baby (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), may need a longer stay based on their condition.

Read this blog to get clear answers to your questions:

• What is the most common reason babies go to the NICU?
• Why do they happen?
• How does modern neonatal care help newborns recover?

Quick Overview: What Is the Most Common Reason Babies Go to NICU Care?

Here is the list of newborn complications that require NICU.

What Is the NICU?

NICU stands for neonatal intensive care unit, which is a specialized hospital unit equipped to provide advanced care to newborns.

The NICU at Surya Hospitals has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for the tiniest patients.

There are four levels of newborn care based on the level of care:

What Conditions Require NICU Care?

The most common reasons include:

• Being born before 37 weeks
• Low birth weight
• Difficulty breathing after birth
• Birth defects
• Complications during delivery
• Blood sugar problems
• Suspected neonatal infection
• Heart abnormalities

Let’s understand some of them:

1. Premature Birth

A premature birth means a baby is born too early. The birth takes place before the 37th week of pregnancy.

They require NICU care immediately after birth because many organs are still developing.

A preterm, premature or “preemie” baby may struggle with:

• Breathing
• Feeding
• Staying warm
• Fighting infections
• Maintaining healthy blood sugar

A newborn can be:

• Late preterm, born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy.
• Moderately preterm, born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
• Very preterm, born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
• Extremely preterm, born before 28 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that makes it difficult for babies to breathe. 

It occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) in the baby’s lungs can’t open fully; means they can’t get sufficient oxygen to their blood.

Symptoms

• Baby’s breathing might be fast and/or shallow.
• Bluish or greyish skin, lips or nails.
• Flaring nostrils.
• Grunting.
• Skin pulling in between their ribs when they breathe.

Treatment

Doctors may use:      

• Oxygen therapy
• CPAP machines
• Mechanical ventilation
• Artificial surfactant replacement

3. Neonatal Infection (Sepsis)

Sepsis in newborns (neonatal sepsis) is a serious medical condition that affects babies younger than 28 days old. Neonatal sepsis can affect any baby, but premature babies develop sepsis more often than full-term babies due to their immature immune systems.

Infections may occur:

• Before birth
• During delivery
• Shortly after birth

Common causes include bacteria such as Group B Streptococcus and E. coli.

Warning Signs

• Fever or low temperature
• Fast or slow heart rate
• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Reduced sucking/difficulty feeding
• Swollen belly (abdomen)

Treatment

Neonatal sepsis treatment needs to begin immediately.

Treatment may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids.
• IV antibiotics to fight bacterial infections.
• Antiviral medication to fight viral infections.
• Heart and/or blood pressure medications.
• Extra oxygen and other forms of respiratory support, if required.

4. Jaundice (Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia)

Infant jaundice is the yellow coloring of a newborn baby's skin and eyes because of a buildup of pigment called 'bilirubin' in the baby's blood.

Most cases are mild, but very high bilirubin levels require NICU treatment.

Treatment

• Phototherapy (special blue lights)
• Frequent feeding
• Blood exchange transfusion in severe cases

5. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

A low blood sugar level in newborn babies is also called 'neonatal hypoglycaemia'. Treatment usually involves feeding, glucose gel, or IV glucose.

6. Birth Defects

Some babies need NICU care because they are born with structural abnormalities affecting:

• The heart
• Lungs
• Brain
• Digestive system
• Spine

Examples include:

• Congenital heart defects
• Cleft lip and palate
• Gastroschisis
• Spina bifida

Treatment at Surya Hospitals' NICU care is based on  the condition and may involve surgery or specialized medical care.

Can Parents Stay With Baby in the NICU

Yes.

Many advanced NICUs are designed to help parents stay close to their babies.

At Surya Hospitals, we often encourage parents to be involved in the following:

• Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact)
• Feeding
• Diaper changes
• Bathing
• Comforting the baby

Conclusion

Learning that your newborn requires NICU care can bring a tsunami of emotions and questions. But it's important to remember that the neonatal intensive care unit isn't a place of hopelessness; it's a place of healing. All you need is to lean on the healthcare team and carefully understand what they are instructing.