The birth of a child is an amazing and intricate procedure. However, we here at Deepa Hospital understand that both the mother and the infant experience several physical and emotional changes. A newborn has a lot of bodily adaptations to make to life outside the mother’s body. A newborn cannot rely on the mother’s blood supply or placenta after leaving the uterus for vital bodily processes. The infant relies on the mother’s abilities before delivery. The removal of waste products, eating, breathing, and immune defence are a few of these. The body systems of an infant must adapt once it is born. For instance:
  • Air must enter the lungs.
  • Circulation alterations in the heart and lungs
  • Processing food and eliminating waste must start in the digestive tract.
  • The body’s fluid and chemical balance and waste elimination depend on the kidneys.
The way that your baby’s body systems interact must change. Sometimes it’s difficult for a baby to adjust to life outside the womb. These alterations may be more difficult due to preterm delivery, a difficult birth, or birth abnormalities. However, newborns might benefit from a lot of extra attention.

What is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a designated portion of the hospital for newborns who require extensive medical attention. The NICU has cutting-edge medical equipment and skilled staff to provide specialised care for the smallest patients. NICUs may also house facilities for the treatment of infants who are not as ill but still require expert nursing care. Babies must be transferred to another hospital when a NICU cannot be staffed at a certain facility. Intensively cared-for infants do better if they are born in a facility with a NICU than if they are transferred after birth.

A NICU is needed for some newborn infants. For any parent, having an ill or premature baby can be unexpected. It can be overwhelming in the NICU. A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Deepa Hospital has skilled nurses, dietitians, physicians, and neonatal specialists who deal with newborn care.

At Deepa Hospital, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has four levels.

Level 1:

This is neonatal intensive care’s entry level. This facility is capable of performing neonatal resuscitation, treating newborns, stabilising and caring for infants born between the 35th and 37th gestational weeks, and treating infants born with illnesses at less than 35 gestational weeks. Sometimes, this unit will largely serve as a stopgap measure before the infant is sent to another hospital with the necessary degree of care. Typically, nurses, family doctors, paediatricians, and other medical experts make up this level.

Level 2:

The main functions of this device are assisted ventilation and constant positive airway pressure. Before being transported to a facility that offers newborn intensive care, preterm and sick infants can be stabilised and resuscitated at this level. Infants born to them at a gestational age higher than 30 weeks and weighing less than 1500 g can receive care if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

  • Physiologic immaturity, such as difficulties regulating body temperature, infant apnea, or refusal to take oral feedings
  • Being somewhat ill with issues that are predicted to clear up quickly, and do not anticipate requiring subspecialty services immediately.

They can also look after infants who are recovering from intensive care. Some devices additionally have the extra ability to briefly provide mechanical ventilation.

Level 3:

Neonates weighing under 1200 grams or with gestational ages of less than 30 weeks are cared for in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Infusion pumps, oxygen masks, suction facilities, incubators, ventilators, TC monitors, vital stats monitors, and other amenities are all provided in this facility. Nurses are also available full-time at the facility.

Level 4:

This is the highest level of newborn care, which includes paediatric specialists in addition to all the skilled carers and specialised services found in a Level III NICU. In addition, it provides services including transport from the hospital to the patient’s home and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A level IV NICU is typically a component of a sizable hospital with experience in the surgical correction of severe congenital or acquired disorders.

Each level of a NICU is well-equipped to deal with any complications or issues that might develop after delivery. Knowing what is available at the aforementioned levels will help you make a better choice for the hospital where you will deliver your child. Ask around at the best hospitals in your area to make sure your newborn will be cared for properly after delivery.

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