Why Babies Come to the NICU

Most babies are admitted to the NICU at birth or shortly thereafter. On rare occasions, a previously healthy baby may come back to the hospital with a new illness or infection needing advanced medical care. In the Abess NICU, our physicians and nurses will constantly monitor your baby’s heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, and temperature using wires gently attached to your baby’s skin with stickers or tiny straps. Your baby will be measured daily for weight gain and growth. The medical team will continually assess your baby’s progress and adjust the medical plan as needed. You can expect frequent updates from the medical team and easy access to your baby’s assigned nurse when you have questions or concerns.

Premature birth is the most common reason babies are admitted to the NICU. A baby is considered a “preemie” if born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Not all premature babies need an extended stay in the NICU. Premature birth can be caused by fetal (the baby) or maternal problems (the mother), issues with the placenta, and other complications. Pregnancies with multiples, like twins, are also more likely to deliver early. If you have a premature baby, one of your top questions might be, “When can I bring my baby home?” The average hospital stay for preemies is based on how early they are born and if there are any medical complications or conditions.

Premature babies tend to be small and have underdeveloped organs and bodily systems. Any baby born under 5.5 pounds is considered “low birth weight.” Some small babies who are otherwise healthy may only need a short stay to help them gain some weight before going home. Premature babies are at a higher risk for complications than full-term babies. Some common complications include heart and lung issues, brain bleeds, low blood sugar, feeding difficulties, jaundice, and infections. Full-term babies can also be admitted to the NICU for infections, illnesses, or congenital conditions.

The Abess NICU at Mount Sinai Medical Center has the staff, equipment, and clinical expertise to provide the specialized care premature and sick babies need to grow, develop, and heal. Our physicians have extensive knowledge and experience in treating acute and chronic conditions affecting newborns.

Conditions of the Heart and Lungs

• Apnea (abnormal breathing pattern)
• Birth asphyxia
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Infections

• Bacterial meningitis
• Maternal transmitted diseases
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis

Illnesses and Other Conditions

• Anemia
• Feeding problems
• Hypoglycemia
• Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
• Jaundice
• Withdrawal from alcohol or narcotics