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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bhubaneswar

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bhubaneswar

For any parent, having a sick or premature baby can be an unforeseen and challenging experience. It can be overwhelming for the parents when the newborn receives care in the NICU. The NICU's ultimate goal is to improve the health outcomes of newborns and facilitate their transition to home once they are stable and thriving. 

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bhubaneswar is a specialised area in hospitals designed for newborns requiring intensive medical care. The NICU is equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment and skilled medical personnel to provide specialised treatment for young patients. Babies who are not ill but still require specialised nursing care may also be cared for in NICUs.

FAQ's

The majority of infants referred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have a low birth weight (less than 2.5 kgs), are preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), or have a medical condition requiring specialised care. 

Each newborn needs to be evaluated to determine whether or not they require NICU care. The following are high-risk factors:

Factors related to mothers include:

  • Being over 40 years old or younger than 16

  • Use of drugs or alcohol

  • Diabetes

  • Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure

  • Sexually transmitted disease

  • More than one pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)

  • Early rupture of the membranes (also known as the bag of water or amniotic sac)

Baby factors include:

  • Birth of the child at either 37 or 42 weeks of gestation

  • Less than 2.27 kilograms (5 pounds) or more than 3.97 kilograms (8 pounds, 13 ounces) at birth.

  • Birth defects

  • Breathing difficulties, such as breathing too quickly, grunting, or ceasing to breathe (apnea)

  • Infections include chlamydia, group B streptococci, and herpes

  • Seizures

  • Low glucose levels, or hypoglycemia

  • Requirement for additional oxygen or surveillance, intravenous (IV) treatment, or medications

  • Requirement for specialised care or operations, like a blood transfusion

NICU admissions of twins, triplets, and other multiples are common. This is because, compared to babies born alone, they typically arrive earlier and are smaller. The NICU also provides care for babies with medical concerns such as infections, cardiac issues, breathing difficulties, or birth deformities.

 

The following medical specialists are involved in your child’s care in the NICU:

  • Neonatologist: This paediatrician who received additional training in the treatment of ill and premature infants is called a neonatologist. They provide care to critically ill infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

  • Neonatal fellow: This paediatrician is undergoing additional training in the treatment of ill and premature infants. He or she may oversee the care of your child and carry out procedures.

  • Resident in paediatrics: This physician is undergoing additional training in paediatrics. He or she might carry out tasks, offer assistance, and guide the care of your youngster.

  • Neonatal nurse practitioner: This registered nurse has received further training in the care of infants. He or she can oversee the care of your child and perform procedures.

  • Respiratory therapist: This individual is specially trained to provide breathing support. This involves controlling oxygen and breathing apparatuses.

  • Occupational, speech, and physical therapists: These therapists check on a baby's healthy development. They also help with care by providing guidance on positioning and soothing methods. Speech therapists assist infants with their oral feeding skills.

  • Nutritionists: Dietitians make sure the infants are receiving a healthy diet and are growing properly. They monitor the amount of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals your child consumes. 

  • Lactation consultants: These medical professionals have additional training and certification in supporting nursing mothers and infants. They can assist with initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, pumping, and maintaining milk production.

  • Pharmacists: Pharmacists aid the care providers in the NICU by helping them select the most appropriate medications. They verify the dosages and levels of medications. They inform the group of any potential adverse effects and necessary monitoring.

 

While hospital and unit-specific restrictions and visiting hours differ, many NICUs offer flexible visiting hours to meet the needs of parents while maintaining the newborn's safety and well-being.

 

A full-term infant often only needs to stay for a few days to a week if they have mild respiratory issues, jaundice, or an infection. Babies that are delivered very early—between 23 and 25 weeks gestation—spend the most time in the NICU, frequently staying there until 40 weeks, when they should be due. After thirty weeks of pregnancy, babies are usually discharged from the hospital two to six weeks ahead of schedule and have a shorter stay.

The purpose of neonatal intensive care units is to provide medical attention to infants who are suffering from health issues brought on by preterm birth, congenital defects, or difficult pregnancies. Neonatal critical care is divided into four categories based on the kind of care the infant needs. These are the following:

  • Level 1 NICU provides basic care for preterm babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, including routine examination and assessment to prevent future complications.

  • Level 2 NICU offers advanced care for preterm babies between 32-35 weeks of pregnancy with mild to moderate health complications due to premature birth.

  • Level 3 focuses on managing specific health complications in preterm babies, including those requiring surgical intervention.

  • Level 4 NICU offers the highest level of care to severely ill newborns, including potentially life-threatening malformations, defects, and syndromes.

Many parents are curious about what to expect when their baby returns home from the NICU. Transitioning from the closely watched NICU to home can be frightening or difficult for parents. On the other hand, using alarms or home monitors is generally not advised as beneficial or safe.

The NICU staff will educate parents on proper sleep techniques, such as lying on their back, to keep their infant healthy and safe at home. After leaving the NICU, some newborns might need additional visits to track their progress, while others might just need to see their regular care physician.

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