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