Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are designed for newborn babies who need extra medical attention. Statistically, 20% of pregnancies are at high risk due to various medical and genetic conditions. Unexpected circumstances and health-related issues can interfere with the expected time of delivery, resulting in premature births.

Neonatal refers to the first 28 days of life. NICUs are well-equipped and have neonatologists trained to provide exceptional medical care for newborns.

How Does a NICU Work?

NICUs are managed by specially trained teams with specialized equipment designed to treat tiny and fragile infants. A NICU team comprises neonatologists, resident physicians, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, Trained NICU support staff and trained nurses.

• Neonatologists: They are specially trained paediatricians who manage and supervise the work in NICUs to provide the best care for newborn babies. They are adept in the use of specialized equipment for infants. Neonatologists perform technical procedures such as endotracheal intubation and central venous and arterial catheter placement.
• Resident physicians: They are closely involved with the daily care of the newborns and assess, plan and revise medical care. They also perform many NICU procedures.
• NICU pharmacists: They ensure that the infants receive the best medications in the most precise quantities.
• NICU respiratory therapists: They are responsible for managing neonatal therapeutic equipment such as ventilators and related processes to help infants breathe.
• Trained NICU support staff: They perform the duties assigned by paediatricians to maintain the standard treatment for babies.
• NICU nurses: They provide round-the-clock care for newborns, including monitoring and adjusting medical equipment, feeding and diapering, assisting the doctors and supporting and educating the parents.

What Are the Technologies/Equipment Used in NICUs?

Treatment offered at NICUs depends on the condition of the infants. This unit requires and uses the following machinery to care for newborns:

• Incubators
• Phototherapy units
• Warmers
• Transport incubators
• Nitric oxide delivery system (NO)
• Laminar flow system
• Portable 2D ECHO
• High-frequency ventilation (HFOV)
• Portable X-ray machines
• Ultrasounds

Which Conditions Require NICU Assistance?

Newborns diagnosed with any of the following conditions may require constant care and observation in the NICU:

• Sickness or weakness at birth
• Pre-mature delivery
• Respiratory issues
• Low body weight
• Structural/physical abnormalities
• Inherited disorders
• Jaundice
• Infection
• Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during birth)
• Fetal distress
• Poor health/sickness of the mother

What Are the Advantages of NICUs

• Your newborn baby's stay in the NICU can be stressful for you as parents. However, Below are some of the advantages of NICUs:
• Your baby will receive the best possible care from the NICU team. You can rest assured your baby is in safe hands.
• You and your partner get to rest and prepare while your baby gets better.
• Maternal services are easily accessible
• NICU follows a time-bound schedule for feeding and sleeping. This helps you to be prepared according to the newborn’s timetable.
• The childcare support team is always there to support you and answer your concerns.

Treatment in NICU for Newborns

The treatment in NICUs differs based on the needs of the infants. It is essential to understand the baby’s health and available treatment options. Some of the treatment options are listed below:

• Neuromuscular physiotherapy: This is advised in neuromuscular dysfunction. The treatment includes kangaroo care with skin-to-skin holding, therapeutic management, and positioning for sleep, feeding, and play.
• Chest physiotherapy: This technique provides adequate oxygen levels, clear air passage and airway suction.
• Treatment for infections: NICUs have well-trained professionals to treat infections. Neonates undergoing surgical procedures are treated with pain relief remedies to reduce the issues and improve their sleep cycle.

Conclusion

NICUs serve the purpose of saving and supporting infants' lives with utmost dedication and expertise. The expert team at NICU is available round the clock to attend to premature and unwell babies. Trained healthcare professionals are well-equipped and provide the best care to newborns.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.