Top Reasons Why Your Baby May Be Admitted to NICU

Babies are used to the warmth of their mother's womb, and as soon as they enter the world, they have to undergo several physical changes. They have to adjust to the new environment as they are no longer dependent upon their mother's placenta and blood supply for their body functions including eating, breathing, eliminating waste, and more. However, when the baby comes out of the womb, he/she has to make a transition to the new environment. While some babies are able to make this transition effortlessly, others can have trouble adjusting. Babies that are born preterm, or have birth defects are more prone to facing challenges while adjusting to the new environment and require added care and may be admitted to NICU in Hyderabad or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

What Is A Neonatal Care Unit or NICU?
Newborn babies who have trouble adjusting to the world outside of their mother's womb are taken to the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU. As the name suggests, it is an intensive care unit made for newborn babies who require specialized care. These units are equipped with an advanced life support system and an excellent team of professionals who are trained to offer the best neonatal care. A baby may be taken to the NICU for several reasons. Read on to know why your baby may be admitted to the NICU.

Here's Why Your Baby May Be Admitted To A Neonatal Care Unit

Premature Birth
Babies who are born before completing 37 weeks in the womb are considered premature and require specialised care. Babies who are born prematurely have difficulty adjusting to the outside environment, as they aren't fully developed. They can have problems such as excessive weight loss, breathing issues, problems controlling their body temperature, and more. Therefore, keeping them in a neonatal care unit is important, as it is equipped with all the equipment including incubator, IV hydration, and a team of experts to ensure a speedy recovery of your little one.

Hypoglycemia
Some children are born with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and thereby require intensive care. This mostly appears in babies who are born immature or have an infection. Also, it may also occur in babies who are born to mothers with gestational diabetes.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome
As the name suggests, this is a respiratory issue which occurs in newborn babies as result of poorly developed lungs. It is usually taken care of with the help of advanced machines that help regulate oxygen, and breathing tubes to help your little one breathe effortlessly until the lungs are fully developed.

Sepsis Or Other Infections
When a baby is born premature, he/she naturally becomes more prone to infections in comparison to babies that are born in full-term. Babies that are born prematurely have a weaker immune system, which can't combat infections and thereby require extra care. The doctors may admit your little one to the NICU if they suspect sepsis or infection, and further administer antibiotics until your baby is fully cured.

Traumatic Delivery
Several women have a traumatic delivery, that besides taking a toll on their health, affect their newborn as well. A traumatic delivery can restrict or decrease the oxygen and blood supply to the baby, which can lead to neurological problems. Therefore, in such cases, the doctors might admit your baby to the NICU right after birth.

What Should The Parents Expect?
Having their newborn in the NICU can be really difficult for the parents. While it is normal to experience a range of emotions at this time, you need to realise that your baby is in safe hands and is receiving the best neonatal care. All parents, especially mothers must take this time to take care of themselves, both emotionally and physically. Prepare yourself for taking care of your baby as soon as he/she comes home, as it is going to be a bit overwhelming! Contact us to know NICU charges per day in Rainbow Hospital Hyderabad or any other details.