What is IUGR?
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where a baby is smaller than expected for its gestational age at birth (birth weight and/or length).
How Long do IUGR Babies Stay in NICU?
It is difficult to estimate how long a IUGR baby will stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Generally, IUGR babies tend to require extra attention to help ensure that they are able to grow and thrive. This attention can sometimes require a prolonged stay at the NICU.
In some cases, the baby may require assistance in getting their nutrition and hydration to build up before they can be discharged from the NICU.
Factors Affecting Length of NICU Stay
IUGR babies are assessed on a case-by-case basis a number of different factors relevant to their stay in the NICU, including:
- Medical condition: The baby’s medical condition will likely determine the length of their NICU stay. Babies with more serious medical conditions may stay in the NICU for a longer period of time.
- Weight and growth factors: IUGR babies may need to stay in the NICU for an extended period of time if they are not able to gain weight and grow at an acceptable rate.
- Feeding support: In some cases, the baby may require assistance with intubation, feeding tubes, or other methods of nutrition delivery.
- Additional treatment: Depending on the severity of the baby’s condition, they may require additional treatments or interventions, which will also extend their stay in the NICU.
Conclusion
In most cases, babies with IUGR can go home once they have reached a healthy weight and are able to feed adequately on their own. However, some babies may require an extended stay in the NICU due to underlying medical issues or if their condition is more severe. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional to understand the specific medical needs of your baby and how long they may need to stay in the NICU.