What is a neonatal unit?

What is a neonatal unit?

A ‘neonate’ is the medical term for a baby under 28 days of age. ‘Neonatal units’ are wards in a hospital where these babies who need specialist medical care go to receive treatment. 

So. What is a neonatal unit?

Let’s start with the basics. Which babies need to go on to a neonatal unit?

Babies who are preterm (below 37 weeks), have a low birthweight or a medical condition that requires treatment will be assessed to see if they need to be cared for on a neonatal unit.  

Babies will be assessed by a ‘paediatrician’ or ‘neonatologist’ (a child/baby doctor) upon birth or arrival at the hospital, if it is suspected the baby may need extra care –  for example being born early, having a known medical condition like heart or kidney problems, or having breathing problems or a possible infection. These doctors are senior and will be consultant (boss) or their deputy called a registrar.   

You can see a good list of reasons for needing neonatal care here. 

Although a number of these conditions may be known before birth and investigated during pregnancy, some conditions may be picked up by the parents, midwives, obstetrician or other care staff during or after birth.  

Some preterm and low birthweight babies may not need to go to the neonatal unit and can be cared for with their parents on a (normal) postnatal ward or at home with extra support from healthcare staff. This is decided by the doctor and neonatal team in their assessment.  

Different levels of neonatal care

• ‘Intensive Care’ – also known as NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), and pronounced ‘knee-coo’. This is where the babies with the highest level of care needs are looked after, who may need more specialist treatments or continuous care.
• ‘Local Neonatal Unit (LNU)’ or High Dependency Care – also known as HDU (High Dependency Unit). Babies in this area require high level complex care, and possibly short-term intensive care, but have less care needs than in NICU. 
• ‘Special Care’ – also known as SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit), and pronounced ‘ski-boo’. SCBU is for babies who have some complex care needs but who have less serious health conditions, or are whose health are improving.
• Transitional Care. This level is for babies who need less complex care but still require some help and monitoring. For example, babies who are born closer to their due date or have improved from previous health conditions. Often parents can stay with their babies on transitional units.  
• Postnatal Care. This is where mums and babies go if they need extra support after birth. Babies who are generally well but may need help with feeding, blood sugars, or to receive medications like antibiotics can stay with their parents on a postnatal ward. 

Do all hospitals have all levels of neonatal care?

No. 

All hospitals with labour and delivery services have some form of neonatal care – however, different hospitals will have different levels of care abilities and equipment, often depending on the size and location of the hospital. So, some babies may be transferred to different hospitals if they require higher levels of care.

This may not be nearby to the hospital you came from, or the one baby was born in. The Charity Bliss have more information about transfers and about what to expect when your baby requires neonatal care.  

Is there support for parents when a baby needs neonatal care?

Yes.

The neonatal unit itself should provide lots of information in person via talks with staff and leaflets, and online on their hospitals website.

There is also online support from charities such as Bliss (for babies born preterm or sick), or from many different specialist charities that include support for parents of:

• Twins/triplets (Twins trust)
• Babies with Downs Syndrome (Downs Syndrome Association)
• Babies with Cystic Fibrosis (Cystic Fibrosis Trust)
• Babies with Cleft lip and palate (CLAPA)
• Babies who may have disabilities (CONTACT)

Or, parents who have experienced Stillbirth and Neonatal Death – SANDS.

If you feel you require further support please ask one of the staff at the neonatal unit, or talk to your GP if you are struggling with your mental health.

Summary

We have described what is a neonatal unit. We hope it has been helpful.

Last Reviewed on 7 March 2024