Infants who arrive before the 37-week mark of gestation are classified as premature, often referred to as “preemies.” Mothers of premature babies frequently experience anxiety and fear due to the higher likelihood of complications associated with early births. The risks intensify the earlier the baby is born. Any issues that arise with a premature newborn will typically be managed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect in caring for a newborn who was born prematurely.
Why Do Premature Infants Require Special Attention?
Premature babies aren’t fully developed and may struggle to adapt to the external environment. Their underdeveloped systems include the lungs, digestive tract, immune system, and skin. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have made it possible for these infants to survive their initial days, weeks, or even months until they are strong enough to thrive on their own.
An Introduction to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The NICU serves as a protective environment for your newborn and is their home for a limited time. Therefore, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with this setting. The NICU is staffed with dedicated personnel, equipped with monitoring systems, respiratory and resuscitation equipment, and access to pediatric specialists across various fields, alongside laboratory services available around the clock—and of course, YOU!
The array of sophisticated equipment in the NICU can be overwhelming and potentially frightening. Understanding how different machines operate can help ease your concerns and keep you focused on your baby’s well-being.
Monitoring Systems
Monitoring machines vary from one hospital to another, but they generally all track vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. A pulse oximeter may be employed to assess the oxygen levels in the blood.
You might observe that your newborn is attached to several adhesive patches or leads on their chest and limbs. These devices connect to a monitor that resembles a television screen, displaying various numerical readouts.
Alarms will sound periodically in the NICU, but they don’t necessarily indicate a crisis. More often than not, they’re routine notifications and not cause for alarm.
Respiratory Assistance Methods
Depending on the individual needs of the premature infant, various methods of respiratory support may be utilized:
- Endotracheal Tube: This tube is inserted into the infant’s trachea to provide warm, humidified air and oxygen.
- Ventilator: Sometimes referred to as a respirator, this machine connects to the endotracheal tube, controlling the oxygen supply, air pressure, and breathing rates.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP): This method aids babies who can breathe independently but need assistance to get air into their lungs.
- Oxygen Hood: This is a plastic box placed over the baby’s head, connected to a tube that delivers oxygen.
Feeding Methods
The approach to feeding will depend on the unique requirements of each premature infant:
- Intravenous Lines: These lines deliver nutrition directly into the bloodstream, ideal for babies who cannot yet swallow or breathe properly.
- Umbilical Catheter: A painless procedure where a tube is surgically inserted into a blood vessel in the umbilical cord. While there are risks like infection and blood clots, it’s often used in critical cases where extended feeding is needed.
- Oral and Nasal Feeding: A thin, flexible tube may be inserted through the nose (nasogastric tube) or mouth (orogastric tube) for babies ready to digest breast milk or formula but who are not yet coordinated in sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
- Central Line (PICC): This intravenous line is placed in a larger vein, allowing for the delivery of nutrients and medications that might irritate smaller veins.
Additional Equipment
- Incubator: These transparent plastic cribs help keep babies warm and shield them from germs and noise.
- Phototherapy Lights: Bright blue lights that are positioned over the baby’s incubator to treat jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The Care Team
The NICU team typically comprises respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, lactation specialists, pharmacists, social workers, hospital chaplains, and a neonatologist—a pediatrician with specialized training in neonatal care.
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Summary
Caring for a premature baby involves navigating a complex medical landscape, but understanding the NICU environment and the specialized care your infant will receive can provide reassurance during this challenging time.