Reasons an Infant May be in the NICU other than Premature Birth
Posted on: February 22, 2011
A common reason why an infant is place in the NICU is premature birth, but this is not the only reason an infant can be placed in the NICU. There are many other symptoms or issues that may cause an infant to be admitted to the NICU. Usually an infant that is admitted to the NICU has not left the hospital, and will be placed there no more than a day or two after birth. The amount of time an infant will be in the NICU all depends on the severity of the diagnoses.
Here are some common reasons infants may be placed in the NICU:
Anemia: Is a common blood disorder diagnoses in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells. Mild cases just require close monitoring as to where a more severe case may call for a blood transfusion.
Bradycardia: Is an abnormal slowing of an infants heart rate. This can cause other problems in the infant such as low oxygen in the blood or a breathing disorder called apnea.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): This is one of the most chronic lung diseases in infants and is diagnosed when an infant still needs oxygen 4 weeks before his or her original due date.
Jaundice: Is common and causes a yellowing of the skin occurring when an infant has increased blood cell breakdown and the liver is unable to handle it.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel in the heart that allows blood to pass up the lungs while the baby is still in the womb. The ductus arteriosus usually closes at birth, but when it does not the vessels in the lungs are flooded. This creates respiratory problems.
Sepsis: Is an infection caused by bacterial growth in the blood. Sepsis causes an infant’s body to overreact to infection and cause harm.
Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN): Is rapid breathing in a full-term newborn. This can subside within a few days after treatment
The World of Neonatal Care 
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