There is no feeling comparable to welcoming a child into this world. At the hospital, you know your baby and you are in good hands thanks to a dedicated team of doctors and nurses. They are also qualified to provide critical care treatment to your little one in case of an emergency. Babies are taken to the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU during these cases where they are given necessary care and treatment.

Common reasons why babies are sent to the NICU

One of the most difficult things for a parent to experience is hearing that their child needs critical care. There are several reasons why a baby needs to be sent to the NICU, some of which are:

Prematurity: Babies born prematurely, any time before the 37-week , are the most common candidates for NICU admissions. Premature babies are developmentally and physically underdeveloped and can find it a struggle to transition to the outside world. They show unstable vital signs, uncontrolled body temperature and excessive weight loss, all of which can affect in the long term. Premature babies need to remain in an enclosed, controlled space such as an incubator which mimics the uterine environment.

Infection or sepsis: Another common reason for NICU admission is infection or sepsis. This is commonly seen in premature babies because their immune systems are not strong enough.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): A baby’s immature lungs are often prone to developing respiratory problems. At the NICU, the baby is placed on a ventilator to treat this condition.

Perinatal depression: Problems during delivery can sometimes lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the baby. The baby is admitted to the NICU to prevent brain damage and other problems.

Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar is common in premature babies or infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes.

For more details on neonatal care, talk to your doctor today.