Neonatology
A branch of paediatrics known as neonatology is dedicated to the medical care of newborn infants, especially those who were ill or delivered prematurely. The neonatal intensive care units are where this specialty is most frequently practiced in hospitals (NICUs). The typical patients seen by neonatologists are newborn children who are ill or require special medical care due to preterm conditions, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital abnormalities (birth defects), sepsis, pulmonary hypoplasia, or birth asphyxia.
A neonatologist may help with the delivery and ongoing care of your newborn if it is premature or has a serious illness, injury, or birth defect. A neonatologist may become involved to consult with you if a problem is discovered prior to the birth of your child.
Neonatologists generally provide the following care:
- Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects.
- Coordinate care and medically manage newborns born prematurely, critically ill, or in need of surgery.
- Ensure that critically ill newborns receive the proper nutrition for healing and growth.
- Provide care to the newborn at a cesarean or other delivery that involves medical problems in the mother or baby that may compromise the infant’s health and require medical intervention in the delivery room.
- Stabilize and treat newborns with any life-threatening medical problems.
- Consult with obstetricians, pediatricians, and family physicians about conditions affecting newborn infants.