What is the full form of NICU

NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

NICU Stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. NICU is a type of intensive care unit with a focus on the treatment of newborns who are preterm or unwell. Neonatal is a term that describes the first 28 days of life. Since the 1960s, there have been intensive care units (ICUs) and specialized nurseries for the treatment of newborns. In a hospital's pediatric department, there is a specific area called the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. Depending on the baby's level of prematurity, newborns are detained there for days or weeks at a time. Following their exit from the mother's womb, newborns undergo a number of bodily changes. They depend on the placenta's blood supply to survive when they are in the womb (a temporary organ that connects the developing fetus and provides oxygen & nutrients to the fetus). If they are delivered out, though, that is no longer the case. The neonatal ICU units are so designated for the treatment of newborns who require intensive medical attention. Each of these specialist NICU units is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, as well as expert doctors who have undergone extensive training and experience to help and treat these infants with exceptional care. Even babies that need specialist nursing care can be cared for in NICUs, which are not just intended to care for sick infants.

Risk Factors

Your infant may be at a higher risk and have a higher likelihood of being admitted to the NICU as a result of the variables listed below.

Drug or Alcohol abuse
You have multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Excess or lack of amniotic fluid (a protective fluid that safeguards the fetus)
Premature rupture of membranes (amniotic sac)
Emergency Cesarean delivery
Lack of oxygen changed a baby's organ systems (a condition called birth asphyxia)
Premature baby
Anomalies defected during pregnancy scans
Elderly mother
Mother with associated medical complications like thyroid, diabetes, etc
Any high-risk pregnancy
Changes brought on by the lack of oxygen in a baby's organ systems (fetal distress or birth asphyxia)
Delivery of the buttocks first (breech birth) or any unusual position
Meconium, the baby's first stool, entered the amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
The infant's neck was encircled by the umbilical cord (nuchal cord)
Using forceps or a cesarean section
Infant delivered at a gestational age of greater than 42 weeks but less than 37 weeks
Birth weight of more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces but less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces
For gestational age, small
Either medication or CPR in the birth room
Birth flaws
Respiratory distress, such as gasping or ceasing breathing or breathing quickly (apnea)
Infection such as chlamydia, herpes, or group B streptococcus
Seizures
Reduced blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Need for IV (intravenous) therapy, more oxygen or monitoring, or medication
A need for specialized care or actions, such as a blood transfusion

According to their serious condition, newborns typically leave the NICU within 48 to 72 hours. But if they exhibit symptoms of an infection, jaundice, inadequate weight gain, or any other illness, they are readmitted.

Healthcare Providers In NICU

1. Neonatologist

The pediatrician in question has further education in the treatment of ill and preterm infants. The neonatologist, also known as the attending physician, is in charge of supervising the pediatric fellows, residents, nurse practitioners, and nurses who take care of the infants in the NICU.

2. Neonatal fellow

In order to better care for sick and premature babies, this pediatrician is receiving additional training. They could oversee your child's care and perform operations.

3. Pediatric resident

This doctor is undergoing additional training in pediatric medicine. They could carry out operations or help, and they could also help manage your child's care.

4. Neonatal nurse specialist

This registered nurse has additional training in caring for newborn children. They can carry out operations and assist in overseeing your child's care.

5. Respiratory specialist

A person with specialized expertise in providing breathing support is this individual. This includes controlling oxygen and breathing apparatus.

5. Occupational, physical, and speech therapists

These therapists monitor a baby's growth and development. They also assist with care, including positioning and calming techniques. Speech therapists assist infants in mastering oral feeding.

7. Dietitians

Dietitians monitor the diet and growth of the infants. They keep an eye on your baby's calorie, protein, vitamin, and mineral intake.

8. Lactation consultants

These healthcare professionals have additional training and certification in supporting moms and infants who are breastfeeding. They can assist in starting and continuing breastfeeding, maintaining a milk supply, and pumping.

9. Pharmacists

The optimum medications are selected with the aid of pharmacists by the NICU staff. They monitor medication levels and doses. They keep the team informed of potential adverse effects and any potential need for monitoring.

10. The social workers

When a kid is ill, social workers assist families with a variety of issues. They offer emotional assistance. They aid families in obtaining information from medical professionals. They also assist the family with other, more fundamental care requirements. Money issues, transportation issues, or coordinating home healthcare are a few examples.

11. Medical chaplain

The hospital chaplain could be a minister, priest, lay pastor, or another type of religious leader. To assist families in coping with the stress of the NICU, the chaplain can offer counseling and spiritual assistance.