Babies whose primary diagnosis is prematurity and just need some extra time in the hospital to grow and develop are cared for by Logan Health Children's neonatologists in the NICUs. Sometimes, newborns and premature babies with complex medical and surgical conditions need to be treated in the NICU for various and sometimes rare and complex conditions. Some of these conditions include:
Neonatal breathing conditions
Neonatal respiratory conditions can arise for several reasons: delayed adaptation or maladaptation to extra-uterine life, existing conditions such as surgical or
congenital anomalies or from acquired conditions such as pulmonary infections occurring either pre- or post-delivery.
Neurological conditions
A newborn baby can present with a variety of neurological problems that stem from conditions that affect his brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. There are more than 600 neurological disorders that can occur throughout a person's lifetime, but fewer neurological conditions occur in newborns. These disorders can be present at birth or happen shortly after birth.
The foundation for development of your baby's brain starts in the first month after conception. The brain continues to develop throughout pregnancy and after birth. Any disruption or injury to the brain development during this period can lead to neurological problems.
Digestive conditions
A newborn's ability to eat and digest food is essential to growth and development. Most babies are able to take feedings with normal absorption of the milk followed by normal bowel movements. Difficulty in any of these areas can be a temporary adjustment or a sign of a more serious problem.
