Neonatal Care

A premature baby has organs that are not fully developed and may require specialist care until their organs can function without nursing or medical support. Premature babies are nursed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care baby unit (SCBU). In the NICU/SCBU, they are kept in incubators designed to keep them warm. There is continuous monitoring of temperature, breathing, heart function and oxygenation. Management may include a range of treatments including intravenous fluids and nutrition, respiratory support and various medications. Phototherapy may also be used to treat newborn jaundice. With these advances, the survival rate of premature infants has increased substantially over the years.