You might have heard doctors discussing admitting a newborn to the NICU. You may also be aware that the NICU is a special medical room wherein newborns are given intensive care. But do you know in what conditions a baby is admitted to NICU or who will give them the much-needed care?
Don’t worry; as a NICU hospital in Naranpura, we are responsible for spreading awareness that will help new parents understand the concept and importance of NICU. So, let us take you through it briefly.
What is NICU?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, commonly recognized as NICU, is a special care area in the hospital where specially trained doctors and staff constantly monitor the newborn’s condition. They will provide intensive care to the babies depending on their condition.
Do All Newborns Need NICU?
Generally, newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit are preterm (which means they are welcomed in this world before 37 weeks of pregnancy), weigh low (less than 2.5kg), or are diagnosed with certain health conditions (heart issues, breathing problem, birth defect, or infection) requiring special and constant care.
Of all the babies admitted to the NICU, it is observed that preterm newborns require monitoring and intensive care for the longest time. As a result, their NICU stay tends to last long. It is also because their respiratory system is still developing and needs breathing support. They might as well have PDA (a heart problem associated with prematurity), digestion issues (because of an immature intestine), temperature control problems (because of immature skin and lack of body fat), and are more vulnerable to infection.
Who will Provide Care in the NICU?
NICU will have a special medical team headed by experts in newborn care (neonatologists). A newborn in NICU primarily receives care from:
- Neonatologists
- Neonatal nurses or neonatal nurse practitioners (they specialize in caring for severely ill patients)
- Pediatric resident
- Location consultant
- Nutritionist
- Clinical pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
The doctor will discuss the exact condition of the newborn with the parents and determine a care plan accordingly.
A Note from Sunflower Multispeciality Hospital
Admitting a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit can be overwhelming for parents; however, it plays a crucial role in their development and care. Caring for the newborn in the NICU is a family-centered approach, and we encourage parents to participate in the caring process.
As the best multispeciality hospital in Ahmedabad, we provide comprehensive care for newborns and children. We request you to trust us with the care and health of your child.
