High Risk Newborn
High-risk newborns, also known as premature and low birth weight babies (less than 2000 g). These babies are at higher risk for respiratory distress syndrome, apnoea, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and heart, brain, or intestinal conditions. The variety and severity of difficulties grow as the newborn’s development declines. Caring for high-risk newborns can be very daunting – physically and emotionally. Though there is a mortality risk, the survival rate of high-risk infants has improved over time, with better maternal care and advancement in obstetric and neonatal care.
What are the Common Disorders in High-Risk Neonates?
Below are some of the common disorders in high-risk newborns –
Renal Disorders
- Hydronephrosis
- Ambiguous Genitalia
- Hypospadias
- Posterior Urethral Valve
- Vesicoureteric Reflux
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Agenesis of Kidney
- UTI
Infectious Diseases
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
- Torch Infection
Heart Disorders
- NEC
- Failure to Thrive
- Cholestasis
- GERD
- Feeding Intolerance
- Cystic Fibrosis
Central Nervous System Disorder
- Hypotonia
- Head/Body Cooling
- Seizures
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
- Muscle Disorders
Blood Disorders
- Anemia
- Exchange Transfusion
- Hyperbilirubinemia or Jaundice
- Thrombocytopenia
- Blood type incompatibility, any bleeding, and coagulation disorders
How to Care for High-Risk Newborns?
At Giggles Hospital, we keep the babies in the neonatal ICU. These high-risk newborns receive the care and assistance they require medically. They are placed in the incubator to keep their bodies at a regular temperature. Preterm birth makes it difficult for the baby to adapt to the surroundings outside the womb. A baby depends entirely on its mother while in the womb, including breathing, eating, waste removal, and immune defense. Therefore, their body system must change once they are born. For example –
- Cardiac and pulmonary changes
- Breathing in air
- The digestive system must be able to process and digest food
- The liver and immune system must work on their own.
A neonatal intensive unit care is a nursery for preterm or high-risk newborns that offers round-the-clock care and support to premature babies. It has healthcare providers with special training and equipment to provide your baby with world-class care.
What are the Risk Factors of High-Risk Newborns?
High-risk newborns are those who are born before 37 weeks. This type of birth is known as preterm or premature birth. Though the causes are unknown, several factors contribute to premature birth. Some of them are mentioned below –
- You have an early birth history, which means you already have premature kids.
- You are pregnant with multiples.
- You have certain conditions in your cervix and uterus.
- Being underweight or overweight also includes eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Having a family history of premature birth.
- Getting pregnant too soon after having 1st baby. You must wait for at least 18 months before getting pregnant.
- Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS).
- High blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy.
- Infections include STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), uterus infections, and urinary tract or vaginal infections.
- Thrombophilias
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
Certain factors such as inadequate or delayed prenatal care, vaginal bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy, and conception through IVF can contribute to premature birth. Additionally, habits like smoking, drinking, and drug use further increase the risk of premature delivery.
Why Choose Giggles?
Giggles Hospitals is renowned for providing exceptional care for preterm babies. Our comprehensive approach begins with a thorough consultation, offering personalized advice and support to address the emotional and physical challenges of a premature pregnancy. Following diagnosis, our expert team will develop a tailored treatment and care plan for your baby, ensuring their well-being and optimal growth.
