Neonatal intensive care

What is Neonatal Intensive Care?

Neonatal intensive care is specialized medical support for newborns who need help to breathe, feed, fight infections, or grow stronger. Think of it as a protective environment where tiny babies receive continuous monitoring, warmth, nutrition, and expert care until they become healthy enough to go home.

Why Is Early Neonatal Care Important?

• Stabilises critical newborns immediately after birth

• Prevents complications like infections or breathing difficulties

• Improves long-term development and survival

• Reduces hospital stay with timely interventions

• Supports high-risk babies born prematurely or with congenital issues

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Neonatal Intensive Care?

• Highly experienced neonatologists and NICU nursing teams

• Advanced Level III NICU with 24/7 monitoring

• International-standard equipment including high-frequency ventilators

• Family-centric care with constant parental involvement

• Comprehensive support for premature and medically complex newborns

• NABH-accredited neonatal intensive care hospital standards

• Affordable care tailored for global patients

Conditions We Treat

• Prematurity and low birth weight

• Respiratory distress syndrome

• Birth asphyxia

• Neonatal jaundice

• Congenital anomalies

• Neonatal infections and sepsis

• Metabolic and genetic disorders

• Feeding difficulties

Treatment & Support Options

Surgical/Procedural Options

• Neonatal ventilation

• Surfactant therapy for lung development

• PICC line insertion

• Exchange transfusion

• Emergency neonatal surgeries (case-based)

Non-Surgical Care

• Incubator and thermoregulation support

• Tube feeding and parenteral nutrition

• Phototherapy for jaundice

• Antibiotics and antiviral medications

• Developmental supportive care

Who Is Eligible for Neonatal Intensive Care?

• Premature infants born before 37 weeks

• Newborns with breathing or feeding difficulties

• Babies with congenital or metabolic conditions

• Infants requiring close monitoring after complicated deliveries

• Newborns with infections or birth trauma

Who Should Not Undergo Certain NICU Interventions?

• Babies with severe abnormalities incompatible with life

• Infants where parents opt for palliative/supportive care

• Newborns allergic to specific medications (treatment adjusted accordingly)

• Babies too unstable for surgical procedures (evaluated case by case)

Preparing for Neonatal Intensive Care

• Carry maternal and newborn medical records

• Share pregnancy history, medications, and delivery details

• Ensure legal documents for international travel (if applicable)

• Participate in counselling sessions with neonatologists

• Arrange accommodation and parental support

• Verify insurance or TPA neonatal coverage

What to Expect During NICU Care?

Timeline

• Admission: Baby stabilised and monitored

• Evaluation: Tests, imaging, and care plan creation

• Treatment: Ventilation, feeding support, medications

• Family Updates: Daily communication and progress reports

• Discharge: After medical stability and developmental readiness

Team Involved

Neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, NICU nurses, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and counsellors.

Recovery & Aftercare

• Continued monitoring of feeding, growth, and development

• Vaccination guidance and follow-up schedules

• Support for breastfeeding or specialized feeding plans

• Parental training on newborn care, hygiene, and handling

• Emotional and psychological support for families

Risks & Complications

• Infection or sepsis

• Breathing difficulties requiring prolonged ventilation

• Feeding intolerance

• Jaundice or anemia

• Developmental delays in extremely premature infants

Benefits of NICU Care at Manipal Hospitals

• Higher survival rates for premature newborns

• Evidence-based neonatal protocols

• Early developmental support to reduce long-term issues

• Safe, sterile, and advanced NICU environment

• Compassionate support for families throughout the journey