Neonatal Intensive Care

The birth of a baby is a wonderful and very complex process.

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Best Neonatal Intensive Care Unit In Ahmedabad

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides medical/surgical treatment for newborns who are either ill or who are delivered significantly earlier than their due date (before 37 weeks). Neonatal refers to a newborn or a person who is under 28 days old. Neonatologists are medical professionals who care for newborns.

The infant depends on the mother’s functions before delivery. These include breathing, eating, getting rid of waste, and having a strong immune system. A baby’s body systems must adapt once it is born. For instance:

The lungs must breathe air.

The cardiac and pulmonary circulation changes.

The digestive system must begin to process food and excrete waste.

The kidneys must begin working to balance fluids and chemicals in the body and excrete waste.

The liver and immune systems must begin working on their own.

What is the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)?

Newborn babies who need intensive medical care are often put in a special area of the hospital called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care. Some hospitals don’t have the staff for a NICU and babies must be moved to another hospital. Babies who need intensive care do better if they are born in a hospital with a NICU than if they are moved after birth. Some newborn babies will require care in a NICU. Giving birth to a sick or premature baby can be unexpected for any parent. The NICU can be overwhelming. This information is to help you understand why a baby may need to be in the NICU. You will also find out about some of the procedures that may be needed for the care of your baby.

Which babies need special care?

Most babies admitted to the NICU are preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), have low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), or have a health condition that needs special care. In the U.S., nearly half a million babies are born preterm. Many of these babies also have low birth weights. Twins, triplets, and other multiples often are admitted to the NICU. This is because they tend to be born earlier and smaller than single birth babies. Babies with health conditions such as breathing trouble, heart problems, infections, or birth defects are also cared for in the NICU.
Some factors that can place a baby at high risk and increase the chances of being admitted to the NICU. But each baby must be assessed to see if he or she needs the NICU.

When will the baby be discharged from NICU?

Babies can be discharged home safely, when they can feed orally by themselves, gaining weight and maintaining their body temperature without any additional heating support. Usually we would say that a premature baby will be ready for discharge around their due date. This however is arbitrary, as some babies will be ready much earlier than their due date, provided there are no other complications. Before going home, parents will be offered to “room in” with their baby for 1 or 2 days, so that they will have a feel of how to independently handle their baby. There will be a checklist of things that needs completing prior to discharge which includes screening tests on the baby as well parental basic life support (BLS) training. Should parents have any concerns during any point in time, they could always speak to the healthcare staff who will be happy to help.

Neonatologist.

What is a Neonatologist

Neonatologists are doctors who specialize in the care of newborn children. Newborns can present a unique set of health challenges that require a high level of skill and medical expertise to treat. Although most children are born without problems, neonatologists are the first line of support in a high-risk birth.

How are babies taken care of in NICU?

Babies in our NICU are kept under the care of a Consultant Neonatologist and qualified trained Resident Pediatric doctors, manage the babies round the clock.

Why is NICU needed?

NICU at Shree Umiya Children Hospital is an ultramodern facility and advanced with high-end technology which is fully equipped to handle a baby needing extra care.