Why does the baby need to be admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit?
The two most common problems in such babies are: Hypoglycemia and respiratory distress. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar occurs if the mother’s blood sugar levels have been consistently high, causing the foetus to have a high secretion of insulin. After delivery, the baby continues to have a high insulin level, but no longer has abnormally high levels of sugar from its mother. This results in the blood sugar level becoming very low. Untreated hypoglycemia can result in poor activity or irregular breathing or even convulsions. So, blood sugar must be tested soon after birth and at frequent intervals for three to five days. Early feeding is recommended to prevent low blood sugar. The excess insulin in the baby, while promoting physical growth, delays lung maturity, especially if the baby is born before 38 weeks. This can result in difficulty in breathing. To prevent this, the baby should be monitored carefully and supplemental oxygen given if necessary. In severe cases, ventilator support
