Do All Preemie Babies Go to the NICU?

Not all preemie babies go to the neonatal intensive care unit, better known as the NICU. Some are born early but healthy enough to stay with their parents right away. Others need extra care and monitoring before they can go home.

Whether your baby goes to the NICU depends on how early they were born and how their body handles life outside the womb. Here is what you should know.

Not All Preemies Are the Same

A premature baby is any baby born before 37 weeks. A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. But not all preemies are the same. How early your baby arrives plays a big role in the type of care they need.

Late preterm babies are born between 34 and 36 weeks. Many of these babies are close to full size and may not need time in the NICU. They might stay in the regular nursery and go home around the same time as their mother.

Babies born before 34 weeks are more likely to need NICU care. The earlier a baby is born, the more support they may need with breathing, feeding, and staying warm.

Why Do Some Babies Go to the NICU?

The NICU is a part of the hospital set up to care for newborns who need extra help. Babies in the NICU are watched closely by a team of doctors and nurses.

A baby might go to the NICU for several reasons. They may have trouble breathing on their own. They may not be able to stay warm. They might need help with feeding. Other reasons include low blood sugar, jaundice or an infection.

Even some full-term babies may need NICU care if problems come up during or after birth.

What Should You Expect in the NICU?

If your baby does go to the NICU, it can feel scary. That is a normal response. But NICU teams are trained to give your baby the best start possible.

You can still bond with your baby during their NICU stay. Skin-to-skin contact, talking to your baby, and being part of their care can all make a difference. Ask the NICU team how you can be involved.

When Can Your Baby Go Home?

Most preemies can go home once they can breathe on their own, feed by mouth, and keep their body temperature steady. For some babies, this takes a few days. For others, it may take weeks or even months.

Before your baby leaves, your care team will help prepare you. They will walk you through feeding, sleeping, general newborn care and any follow-up visits your baby may need.

If you have questions about your baby's care or what to expect after a premature birth, reach out to your Baptist Health primary care provider. If you don't have one, you can find a provider using our provider directory.