Neonatology & NICU

Prematurity means birth before 37 completed weeks. Immature breathing, feeding and temperature control may require support depending on gestational age.

Low birth weight means a birth weight below 2.5 kilograms. It can affect premature or term babies, with feeding, warmth and glucose balance needing attention.

Neonatal jaundice is yellowing caused by raised bilirubin. The baby's age in hours, bilirubin level and risk factors determine whether observation or treatment is needed.

Newborn respiratory distress may appear as rapid breathing, grunting or chest indrawing. Immature lungs, infection and delayed lung-fluid clearance are possible causes.

Neonatal sepsis is a serious infection in a newborn. Poor feeding, temperature instability or reduced activity may be the first signs, rather than an obvious fever.

Birth asphyxia involves inadequate oxygen or blood flow around birth and may affect the brain or other organs. Immediate stabilisation and close monitoring may be needed.

Newborn feeding difficulties can involve poor latch, prematurity, illness or uncoordinated swallowing. Inadequate intake can lead to dehydration, low glucose or poor weight gain.

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is low blood glucose in a newborn. It is more likely with prematurity, certain birth weights or maternal diabetes and may have no obvious symptoms.

Congenital anomalies are structural or functional differences present at birth. Some affect breathing, feeding or circulation and need early specialist assessment.

Neonatal seizures may involve subtle repeated movements or changes in breathing. Metabolic problems, infection or brain injury are possible causes requiring urgent evaluation.

Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature in a newborn. Babies lose heat easily, and low temperature can disrupt breathing, glucose balance and feeding.

Transient tachypnoea is temporary rapid breathing from delayed clearance of lung fluid after birth. It often improves over the first days, but other causes must be excluded.