Neonatal Intensive Care

The birth of a baby is a wonderful and very complex process. Leaving the uterus means a baby can not depend upon the mother's blood supply and placenta for important body functions. For example: The lungs must breathe air. The cardiac and pulmonary circulation changes. The gastrointestinal system must begin to process food and excrete waste. The kidneys must begin working to balance fluids and chemicals within the body and excrete waste. The liver and immune systems must begin working on their own. Your baby's body systems must work together during a new way. Preterm birth, a difficult birth, or birth defects can make these changes tougher . But tons of special care is out there to assist newborn babies. Newborn babies who need intensive medical aid are often put during a special area of the hospital called the neonatal medical care unit (NICU). The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to offer special look after the tiniest patients. NICUs can also care areas for babies who aren't as sick but do need specialized medical care . Some hospitals don’t have the staff for a NICU and babies must be moved to a different hospital. Babies who need medical care do better if they're born during a hospital with a NICU than if they're moved after birth. The NICU can be overwhelming. This information is to assist you understand why a baby may have to be within the NICU. You will also find out about some of the procedures that may be needed for the care of your baby.