The Neonatal ICU is a hospital environment prepared to receive babies born before 37 weeks of gestation, with low birth weight or who have a problem that could interfere with their development, such as cardiac or respiratory changes, for example.
The baby remains in the ICU until it can grow, reach a good weight and become able to breathe, suck and swallow. The length of stay in the ICU varies depending on the baby and the reason why they were taken to the ICU, however in some hospitals one of the parents can remain with the baby for the entire duration of the stay.
When it is necessary to stay in the ICU
The neonatal ICU is a place in the hospital prepared to receive newborns who were born prematurely, before 37 weeks, with low birth weight or with respiratory, liver, heart or infectious problems, for example. Soon after birth, the baby may need to be admitted to the neonatal ICU to receive further monitoring and treatment for the reason he was sent to the unit.
What is part of the neonatal ICU
The neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is made up of a multidisciplinary team made up of a neonatologist, pediatrician, nurses, nutritionist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist who promote the baby’s health and development 24 hours a day.
Each Neonatal ICU is made up of equipment that helps treat the baby, such as:
- Incubator, that keeps the baby warm;
- heart monitors, who check the baby’s heart rate, reporting any changes;
- respiratory monitors, which indicate how the baby’s respiratory capacity is, and it may be necessary for the baby to be on mechanical ventilation;
- Catheters, which are mainly used to promote baby nutrition.
The multidisciplinary team evaluates the baby periodically so that it can check the baby’s progress, that is, whether the heartbeat and respiratory rate are normal, whether nutrition is adequate and the baby’s weight.
How long does hospitalization last?
The length of stay in the neonatal ICU can vary from several days to a few months, depending on the needs and characteristics of each baby. During the time spent in the ICU, parents, or at least the mother, can remain with the baby, monitoring the treatment and promoting the baby’s well-being.
When the rise happens
Discharge is given by the responsible doctor, taking into account the evaluation of the professionals involved in the baby’s care. It usually happens when the baby acquires respiratory independence and is able to suck all the food, in addition to weighing more than 2 kg. Before the baby is discharged, the family receives some guidance so that the treatment can be continued at home and, thus, the baby can develop normally.
