While pregnancy is typically a wonderful experience, some families experience pregnancy with additional medical dangers, such as a high-risk pregnancy. Having the right hospital can mean the difference between a newborn’s healthy start and a newborn’s tragic death. That’s why a Level III NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is so important for high-risk pregnancies. In this article, we will discuss in detail the importance of choosing a level 3 NICU-enabled hospital for complex pregnancies.
What is a Level 3 NICU?
Level 3 NICUs specialize in the care of critically ill or premature newborns requiring specialized medical treatment. Level 3 NICUs are outfitted with the most advanced medical technology, neonatologists available 24 hours a day, and specialized nursing staff to manage complex medical conditions for their patients.
Level 3 NICUs have significant differences from Level 1 and Level 2 nurseries:
- They can provide advanced respiratory support
- They can care for extremely premature babies
- They can perform/or coordinate emergency neonatal surgeries
- They are capable of continually monitoring and initiating any necessary intensive care treatment
When is a pregnancy considered high-risk?
A high-risk pregnancy is defined as one where either the mother, the baby, or both have an increased risk of having complications before delivery, during delivery, or after delivery. Examples of a high-risk neonatal birth include, but are not limited to:
- Preterm contractions or past preterm birth history
- Multiple gestational pregnancies
- Hypertensive disorders, diabetes, heart disease, infections, etc., affecting the mother,
- Placental problems or the baby having restricted growth,
- Congenital abnormalities noted on ultrasound.
In this type of situation, immediate access to Level 3 NICU level of care is beneficial in providing the best medical care for high-risk pregnancies.
When is a level 3 NICU required?
When you have a high-risk pregnancy, you will want to make plans for your delivery at a hospital with a Level III NICU. Signs that you will need to do this include:
- There is a high probability of delivering your baby prematurely
- Your baby will most likely require assistance with breathing immediately after birth
- The fetus has growth or structural abnormalities identified through ultrasound
- The mother has a medical condition that may affect her baby at birth
- An immediate need for intervention for the newborn is expected
Delivering in a hospital with the NICU will eliminate delays associated with transferring the critically ill newborn down the street or across town to another facility.
Why Is It Important to Have a Level 3 NICU?
The first few minutes and hours after birth are often the most important for high-risk newborns. Having access to a Level 3 NICU at your hospital provides:
- Immediate access to skilled personnel and equipment to assist your infant at birth
- Increased chances of survival for both preterm and low birthweight infants
- A decreased chance of complications as a result of timely medical care
- Continuous surveillance of your infant during the most critical period of growth and development
If you are on the lookout for the best gynecologist in Mohali, or the top Level 3 NICU Hospital, Sohana Hospital Mohali can be the answer for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is equipped with world-class level 3 NICUs and experienced doctors to provide the most comprehensive care for your younger ones! Book an appointment today!