Newborns are incredibly fragile and require intensive care, especially pre-term-born children. To ensure that your child doesn’t face any health-related concerns in their early years of development, there are neonatal care units in every hospital.
There are two intensive care units—NICU and PICU—for children. They share some similarities. The terms are also used interchangeably, but they are different. In this post, we’ll explore these neonatal care units and how NICU Doctors in Navi Mumbai offer the best care to your little ones.
What is NICU in Hospital?
When a baby lives inside the mother’s womb, they get their nutrients, oxygen, and blood supply through the placenta. A lot of things change when they are delivered. Some newborn babies require intensive medical care 24/7 because of complications during delivery or their low weight.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is for newborns that are born pre-term, weigh lower than 5.5 pounds, and are born with health issues. The unit comprises a team of professional healthcare providers and nurses that specialize in offering medical care to newborns. The system is equipped with the latest medical technology that monitors children throughout the day.
Pre-term babies are highly likely to spend the first few days in the NICU. It’s advisable to get to the NICU Hospital in Navi Mumbai that have a dedicated unit for newborn intensive medical care. This is especially important for women with complicated pregnancies.
What is PICU in Hospital?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is for children who need specialized care. PICU is for kids that are a few months old and above. A child is admitted to the PICU when they are diagnosed with a critical illness that requires specialized care with regular monitoring, or if they get into an accident.
A child that experiences asthma and is facing difficulty breathing is admitted to the PICU. simply put, all kinds of pediatric issues that put the infant’s life in danger require a pediatric intensive care unit. Once the child gets the necessary treatment and their condition is stabilized, they will be sent back to the regular hospital or home.
Difference between NICU and PICU
Both NICU and PICU are for children, but the former is for newborns that need protection from germs and other contamination. These intensive care units have all the necessary equipment and trained medical staff that monitors the infant’s condition 24/7 and handle emergencies immediately.
PICUs are not for newborns. Even if the hospital where you have delivered the child has only the PICU, the healthcare specialist will recommend you transfer the kid to a hospital with a NICU facility. The biggest and only difference between NICU and PICU is the age.
Different Levels of Care at NICU
The level of care at the NICU is classified into different types, based on gestational maturity and weight. Babies weighing less than 1800 grams need level third care, while those born with a weight less than 1200 grams and are born before 30 weeks require level 1 care.
For neonates who need intensive medical care, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offers specialized care. There are various levels of care available within the NICU, each catered to the unique need of each newborn.
Level I:
NICUs provide basic care for healthy babies, helping with feeding and keeping track of vital signs. They are often located in community hospitals.
Level II:
NICUs can provide moderately unwell newborns with care and a higher degree of assistance, including specialized tools and more sophisticated monitoring systems.
Level III:
Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are typically found in tertiary care facilities and offer comprehensive treatment for severely ill or preterm infants. These units have access to highly qualified medical staff, cutting-edge equipment, and surgical interventions when necessary.
To assure the greatest results for the most vulnerable babies, these units are equipped to manage complicated medical issues and offer round-the-clock care.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, NICUs and PICUs cater to distinct age groups and medical needs. NICUs focus on providing intensive care for newborns, especially premature or severely ill babies, while PICUs offer comprehensive care for newborns, young children, and teenagers up to age 18. Understanding these contrasts enables families to make informed decisions regarding their child’s level of care.
