Newborn babies who need intensive medical care are often put in a special area of the hospital called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care.
Which babies need special care?
Most babies admitted to the NICU are preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), have low birth weight (less than 1.5 kgs), or have a health condition that needs special care. In the India, nearly 5 million babies are born preterm. Many of these babies also have low birth weights. Twins, triplets, and other multiples often are admitted to the NICU. This is because they tend to be born earlier and smaller than single birth babies. Babies with health conditions such as breathing trouble, heart problems, infections, or birth defects are also cared for in the NICU.