A newborn may require NICU support if they are born prematurely, have low birth weight, are diagnosed with severe Jaundice, or develop infections during delivery or after birth. Poor feeding, low blood sugar, or difficulty breathing are other reasons your little one may require specialized medical care.
When Does a Newborn Need NICU? Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Being told your baby needs advanced medical care right after birth isn’t something you may have imagined. It can be quite intimidating to watch your little one around machines. The reassuring part is that you aren’t alone. Many newborns are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Mulund for different reasons. Some are observed for a couple of hours, while others stay for a few days and may require specialized treatment.
What Exactly is NICU?
NICU is a specialized newborn care unit designed for babies born with infections, breathing issues, low birth weight, or those born prematurely. It’s equipped with incubators, ventilators, and advanced medical equipment that monitor your baby’s vitals, regulate their temperature, and provide a warm environment to support your baby’s health.
Some are admitted to the NICU unexpectedly. In other cases, a neonatologist in Mulund might already know that a baby may require specialized medical care after birth. Either way, the NICU becomes the safest space for your baby, at least until their condition stabilizes.
Reasons Your Newborn May Require NICU Care
NICU admission may be needed if any of these fit your case:
Premature Birth
Most of the newborns referred to the NICU are those born prematurely. A full-term pregnancy lasts 37-40 weeks. Babies born too early may require advanced medical care, as they might struggle to breathe due to their immature lungs. Preemies might also struggle to suck or swallow effectively, making feeding tubes necessary temporarily.
Low Birth Weight
A newborn should weigh 2.5 kgs or above to be considered healthy. Weight less than that may require close monitoring, and sometimes NICU admission. Low birth weight babies are at an increased risk of infections, feeding and breathing difficulties, poor weight gain issues, and difficulty regulating temperature. Maternal health issues, premature delivery, growth restrictions during pregnancy, and other factors can result in low birth weight babies.
Severe Jaundice
A mild jaundice in newborns is not uncommon. However, if the bilirubin reaches unsafe levels, rises too quickly, or is detected too early after birth, they may require close monitoring, or sometimes, phototherapy lights to prevent brain damage. Take your baby to a pediatrician immediately if you notice:
- Severe yellowing of the eyes, face, and whole body
- The baby is difficult to wake
- Poor feeding
- Excessive drowsiness
Delivery Complications
Sometimes, newborns may require NICU admission because of complications during labor. If the baby passed meconium before birth or suffered from oxygen deprivation in the womb, a pediatrician might temporarily shift them to the advanced neonatal care unit.
Newborn Infections
Your newborn’s immune system might be sensitive and not fully developed. Even a mild infection can become dangerous if not addressed promptly. A newborn might develop an infection before birth, during labor, or after birth. In all cases, admission to the NICU is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications, such as sepsis.