NICU Graduates Q&A
What kind of care do NICU Graduates require?
Premature babies born before 40 weeks of pregnancy or who are very sick often spend time in the hospital NICU before they are healthy enough to go home. Once home, they are likely to require ongoing intensive care in the form of medications, supplemental oxygen, and specialized equipment.
Newborn babies are fragile and vulnerable and have an increased risk of infections. This is especially the case if your baby is born prematurely. If your child was in the NICU, he or she has an increased risk for developmental delays and a variety of health problems for the first few years of life.
What are the common health issues affecting NICU Graduates?
In the first two to three years of life, babies leaving the NICU are at a higher risk for several health issues. Premature and sick term infants in the NICU commonly experience medical issues such as:
Respiratory problems
Babies may require oxygen support after leaving the hospital. NICU Graduates are more susceptible to lung infection, pulmonary edema, and asthma wheezing .
Cardiovascular problems
NICU Graduates commonly experience blood pressure problems such as hypotension or hypertension. Underlying conditions or medications taken may also result in tachycardia and bradycardia.
Gastrointestinal problems
Babies leaving the NICU tend to experience poor growth rates due to the high metabolic demands of their bodies and inadequate nutrition to meet the demands. NICU Graduates may also have poor bone health, gastroesophageal reflux, or require feeding tubes.
Some NICU Graduates may experience anemia or endocrine issues affecting glucose metabolism, calcium absorption, or causing thyroid issues. Dr. Chavarria offers treatment and management of all conditions affecting NICU Graduates.
What should I expect at a NICU Graduates appointment?
When you meet with Dr. Chavarria for follow-up appointments after leaving the NICU, the exams are customized to the unique needs of your child. The compassionate and experienced medical team provides evaluation, advice and reassurance, education, flu vaccines, and can administer monoclonal antibodies for protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) if needed.
Should your baby require supplemental electrolytes including sodium and potassium, the team at Cesar Chavarria, M.D., Inc. follows the doses, administration, monitoring, and prescriptions recommended by the hospital, along with guidance for tapering down the doses when your baby no longer requires them.
What if my baby requires supplemental oxygen?
For babies dependent on oxygen, Dr. Chavarria coordinates the care, monitors your baby’s health, and adjusts the amount of supplemental oxygen delivered through your home oxygen equipment, as needed.
After your baby leaves the NICU, receive the guidance and advice you need to properly care for your medically fragile baby at home. Schedule a NICU Graduates appointment with Cesar Chavarria, M.D., Inc. online or by calling the practice.
