NICU levels

jenni822

Hi all,

I just found out we are pregnant with number 2 (after TTCing for almost 3 years!). I have a question about the difference between a Level 2+ NICU and a level 3 NICU. My daughter was born in a hospital that had a level 3, but we have since moved. Having a NICU in the hospital is important to me, but I am trying to decide how important it is to have a Level 3. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

happyhoopla

A level 2 NICU can take care of babies on supplemental oxygen (nasal canula, possibly CPAP), IV antibiotics, babies with blood sugar issues, drug withdrawl, feeders/growers, or other stable babies. A level 3 NICU does all of that, plus babies who need additional respiratory support (ventilators, unstable CPAP), cardiac babies, surgical patients, babies who are unstable. The only thing that level 3 can't do is ECMO (heart and lung bipass).

JakesBride07

https://preemies.about.com/od/allaboutthenicu/a/NICUPart1.htm

^^^ This site gives a more comprehensive breakdown of each NICU level. HTH!

jenni822

Thank you both!