NICUs

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are hospital units specialized in the care of ill or premature newborns. They serve newborns from birth through the early weeks of life, particularly those with very low birth weight, prematurity, respiratory problems, infections, congenital anomalies, or perinatal complications. The goal of NICU care is to stabilize the infant, support essential physiologic functions, and promote growth and development.

Care in the NICU involves continuous monitoring, temperature control, nutrition support, and infection prevention. Common interventions include respiratory support such as supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or mechanical ventilation; careful fluid and electrolyte management; parenteral and enteral feeding; and diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests to guide treatment plans.

NICUs are equipped with incubators, radiant warmers, ventilators, monitors, feeding tubes, and central venous access devices. Care teams are multidisciplinary, typically including neonatologists, specialized neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, and developmental specialists. Staffing and technology enable advanced treatments for premature infants and those with complex medical or surgical needs.

Many health systems classify NICUs by level, with Level I providing basic care, Level II offering more advanced services, Level III providing the highest level of neonatal intensive care, and Level IV in some systems indicating subspecialty surgical capabilities.

Family involvement and developmental care are emphasized in modern NICUs. Parents are encouraged to stay close, participate in care when possible, and practice practices such as kangaroo care. Discharge is considered when the infant can sustain stability off intensive support, with structured follow-up for growth and neurodevelopment.