Who Needs NICU Care?
Not all newborns require care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but some babies need extra medical support during their first days or weeks of life. These infants may have been born too early, have a low birth weight, experience complications at birth, or show signs of health issues that require close monitoring and treatment.
Babies who may need NICU care include:
Premature Babies: Born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Low Birth Weight Infants: Babies weighing less than 2 kilograms at birth.
Breathing Difficulties: Newborns showing rapid breathing, grunting, or other signs of respiratory distress.
Infections: Babies diagnosed with or suspected of having bacterial or viral infections.
Post-Term Babies: Infants born after 42 weeks of gestation, who may have complications.
Early Membrane Rupture: Babies born after the amniotic sac has broken too early (before labor starts).
Seizures or Low Blood Sugar: Infants experiencing convulsions or dangerously low glucose levels.
Babies of Diabetic Mothers: Especially when maternal diabetes is poorly controlled.
Multiple Births: Twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples who often need more support.
Birth Asphyxia: Newborns who experienced a lack of oxygen during birth.
Abnormal Fetal Position: Babies born in breech or other non-head-down positions.
Umbilical Cord Issues: When the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, affecting oxygen flow.
Severe Jaundice: Cases where bilirubin levels exceed the safe range and require intensive phototherapy.
Maternal Age Risks: Babies born to very young mothers (under 16) or older mothers (over 40).
Maternal Bleeding Complications: Infants affected by significant blood loss during pregnancy or delivery.
Amniotic Fluid Imbalance: Either too much or too little amniotic fluid can lead to complications requiring NICU support.
Each baby’s situation is unique. The decision to admit a newborn to the NICU is made with the goal of ensuring the safest and healthiest start to life. At Yashonandan Hospital, our NICU team is always ready to provide immediate, expert care tailored to each newborn’s specific needs.
