Neonatal care is the specialized care provided for babies born with pre-existing conditions and/or born prematurely with developmental challenges. Neonatal care requires state-of-the-art infrastructure, expertise and advanced technology to be performed successfully. Some of the key indicators which quality a child for a neonatal would be – being born prior to 37 weeks of gestation, born with an acute ailment, born with inadequate birth weight, being born with congenital conditions of the heart or brain.
Neonatal care is specialized branch of pediatric medicine wherein newborn babies are provided acute medical attention and care for pre-existing conditions or conditions acquired immediately at birth. In additional to expert and advanced clinical skills, neonatal care requires state-of-the-art infrastructure, specialized operation theatres, strict protocols and adherence to those protocols and a team of highly skilled paramedics.
The growth and development of a child is generally expected to take a specific trajectory and parents must closely watch for any challenges along this trajectory. While, the child may not present any signs of serious ailment right at the beginning, it is vital from a neonatal standpoint to monitor the child for motor skills, hearing abilities, stimulus etc., to ascertain its normal growth & development. Any misgiving can and should be brought to the attention of the pediatrician and then taken up with a neonatology specialist if and when required.
In most cases, serious ailments in your newly born child are easily identifiable and doctors at the hospital will have identified them before they discharge you back home. However, even at home as a parent it is advisable to keep a watch for the child to exhibit some of the following signs over the first two-three months – head control, smiling, movement of the eyes, trying to grasp objects, response to loud noises etc.,
