Learn about some of the medical conditions and possible complications that might affect your baby or babies if they were born preterm or sick, and why they may need care in a neonatal unit. The goal of the following pages is to offer you an overview about these conditions, understanding who might be most vulnerable, and how these complications are identified and treated. It is good to keep in mind, that every baby is different, so the specifics mentioned may not directly apply to your little one(s). 

Just like with any information you find on Neopedia, please keep in mind that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions about specific conditions, the best thing you can do is to reach out to healthcare experts such as your healthcare providers.

What are the health needs of my preterm baby/ babies?

When babies arrive earlier than expected, their tiny bodies face unique challenges. Due to their preterm birth, their organs are not as fully developed as those of full-term babies. This can lead to various health concerns involving their vital organs and/ or their immune system. The goal of your medical team is to provide the necessary care and assistance to help preterm babies grow and develop as they would have done in the womb⍰. By carefully monitoring their progress and adjusting the healthcare approach to meet their individual needs, your healthcare team is working towards providing the best possible care while your baby is in the neonatal unit.

The possible diseases that preterm or sick babies face are grouped according to the organs that are affected, such as the lung, heart, brain, and kidneys. Besides the organs, the conditions affecting temperature control, nutrition, or the blood are also considered, with an additional page for the types of infections that are treated in a neonatal unit.