Neonate Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Neonate Intensive Care Unit ( NICU)

A neonatal intensive care unit or NICU is a highly specialized unit that is designed and staffed to take care of babies right after birth. Newborn babies, especially those who are born preterm, require extra care to ensure their well-being in the long run.

The NICU facility at Surya Hospitals is a hub of clinical excellence, offering the finest care to premature and sick newborns. The unit offers a safe and secure environment for your little ones while giving utmost priority to their comfort. It is backed by the latest equipment and cutting-edge technology, all put together to ensure the best treatment for your baby. The neonatal intensive care unit has been designed to give superior care, with individual attention to every child. We have a dedicated team of experts specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and management of complex neonatal conditions. Ranging from cribs and bed warmer to incubators and advanced imaging modalities, the unit is fully equipped to handle any emergency situation.

Levels of NICU

Neonatal Intensive Care Units are there for catering to the needs of newborns who are experiencing health complications related to premature birth, congenital abnormalities or complicated pregnancies. Based on the type of care that the baby needs, Neonatal intensive care is classified into 4 types. These are:

• Level 1 NICU – It is just like a newborn nursery, that offers basic care for preterm babies, who are born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy This includes routine care and proper examination and assessment to negate the risks of any future complications in otherwise healthy babies.
• Level 2 or Advanced care – These are special care nurseries that offer advanced care for preterm babies who are born anywhere between 32 to 35 weeks of pregnancy and have mild to moderate health complications due to premature birth. Level 2 NICU also focuses on full-term babies who are at risk of certain health complications that do not require specialized care.
• Level 3 or Specialized care – This is a highly specialized unit that focuses on the management of specific health complications in preterm babies born before the completion of 32 weeks of pregnancy, including those who require surgical intervention.
• Level 4 or Highest level of care – The unit is committed to offering the highest level of care to terminally ill newborns irrespective of whether they are preterm or not. These include potentially life-threatening malformations, defects and syndromes.

Why do babies need special care in NICU?

There is a wide spectrum of factors that can impact a baby’s health during pregnancy, childbirth or soon after they are born. Such babies need special care and attention that can only be offered in a NICU.

Maternal factors that can give rise to the need for special neonatal care include:

• If the mother is too young (< 16 years of age) or older than 40 years
• If the mother had been using any kind of drugs
• If the mother had been consuming alcohol
• If the mother has existing medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, etc
• If the mother has been experiencing unusual bleeding during pregnancy
• If the mother is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease like AIDS
• If it is a multiple pregnancy, i.e the mother is carrying more than 1 child
• If the amniotic fluid is not present in the right amount
• If the amniotic sac ruptures prematurely

Delivery-related factors that can give rise to the need for special neonatal care include:

• Fetal distress due to reduced supply of oxygen to the baby at the time of birth
• Breech birth, i.e. if the baby’s bottom comes out first
• If the baby passes meconium while still inside the amniotic sac
• If the umbilical cord gets tangled around the baby’s neck
• If the doctors have to shift from normal delivery to C-section due to any complication.

Other factors that can give rise to the need for special neonatal care include:

• If the baby is born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy or after 42 weeks.
• If the baby is not weighing more than 2,500 gms at the time of birth
• If the baby is weighing more than 4,000 gms at the time of birth.
• If the baby had to be resuscitated after birth
• If the baby is born with any defects or abnormalities
• If the baby is experiencing breathing problems, also known as respiratory distress
• If the baby is experiencing seizures or has low blood sugar
• If the baby is anaemic.

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