For Families - Why NICU? - Neonatal Intensive Care

Why a NICU?

According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 10 babies will require neonatal intensive care. Babies may need the specialized care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for many reasons.

An infant may be admitted to a NICU if:

He or she is born early (premature)
A health condition is recognized before the baby is born
The baby experiences an especially difficult delivery
He or she shows signs of a health problem in the first few days of life

A baby’s stay in the NICU depends upon his or her specific condition. A NICU stay can range from 1 day to several months.

Some of the most common conditions treated in Texas Children’s NICU include:

Prematurity
Breathing or lung problems
Birth defects
Genetic conditions
Heart disease
Infections
Metabolic disorders
Ophthalmologic (eye/vision) conditions or defects

Regardless of the reason, your baby’s critical health needs can be met best at a full-service newborn center with a Level 3C NICU like the one at Texas Children’s Hospital.