Pediatric Nutrition

Neonatal Intensive Careunit

Newborn babies who need intensive medical care are often placed in a special hospital setting called a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICU has state-of-the-art technology and trained healthcare professionals to provide specialized care to very young patients. NICUs may provide care for children who are not ill but in need of special nursing care. Most babies admitted to NICU are premature (born before 37 weeks of gestation), have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), or have a medical condition that requires special care. Many of these babies have a low birth weight. Twins, triplets, and other repetitions are often imported into the NICU. This is because they are often born prematurely and are smaller than babies born alone. Children with health conditions such as respiratory problems, heart problems, illnesses, or birth defects are also cared for at NICU.

Below are some factors that can place a baby at high risk and increase the chances of being admitted to the NICU.Maternal factors include:Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, or more)Sexually transmitted diseasesBeing younger than age 16 or older than age 40High blood pressure (hypertension)Diabetes.Baby factors include: Baby born at gestational age of less than 37 weeks or more than 42 weeks. Birth weight less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) or over 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams).Small for gestational age.Medicine or resuscitation in the delivery room.Birth defects.