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Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature babies

Read about intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), or bleeding in the brain, in premature babies.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Learning Hub

The SickKids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides care for newborns up to four weeks of age. Find information about life in the NICU, conditions that affect newborns and premature babies and what to expect when leaving the NICU.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature babies

Health A-Z

Learn about patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature babies and the treatments available for it.

Outcomes for premature babies

Health A-Z

Learn about possible outcomes for premature babies.

Infections and the premature baby

Health A-Z

A premature baby is susceptible to infection because their immune system is immature. Read more about infections and the immune system of premature babies.

Bone health in premature babies

Very premature babies are at risk for metabolic bone disease, a condition that affects their bone health and increases the risk of fractures.

Life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Health A-Z

Learn about the challenges that parents/caregivers and families may experience when a baby is admitted to the NICU.

Attachment and premature babies

Health A-Z

All babies are born relationship ready. Babies are also born with attachment-based behaviours (crying) that cue their caregiver when they are in distress and need them close. Learn how the baby’s cry and the caregiver’s response to the cry develops the attachment relationship.

Vascular access in the NICU

Health A-Z

Learn about several types of lines and catheters inserted into a vein that are used for vascular access on a premature baby or ill newborn.

Prematurity: Overview

Health A-Z

Learn about the definition of and the causes and medical conditions associated with prematurity.

Behavioural and learning issues

Health A-Z

Read about various behavioral problems that premature babies may develop as they grow. In general, the most premature babies are more at risk.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature babies

Health A-Z

Learn about respiratory distress syndrome, a common condition in very premature babies.

Decision making in the NICU

Health A-Z

Learn about how families and the health-care team work together to make important decisions about the care of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Health A-Z

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a rare but serious disease that affects the bowels of premature or newborn infants. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of the condition.

Neonatal seizures

Health A-Z

Read about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal seizures.

Anemia of prematurity

Health A-Z

Learn about anemia of prematurity, what causes it and how it is treated.

Apnea of prematurity

Health A-Z

Read about apnea of prematurity, which is a condition in which premature babies take unusually long pauses (usually more than 20 seconds) between breaths.

Respiratory support for babies in the NICU

Health A-Z

Read about the different methods of assisting babies with their breathing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Transport to specialized neonatal facilities

Health A-Z

Learn about how newborns and infants are safely transported from a community hospital or nursing station to a hospital that can provide the necessary expertise to care for sick premature or term babies.

Vein of Galen malformation

Health A-Z

A vein of Galen malformation can affect the brain, heart and other organs in the body. Learn what a vein of Galen malformation is, the signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available.

Being part of your baby's health-care team

Health A-Z

Learn how parents can effectively participate in the care of a baby in the NICU.

Chronic lung disease of prematurity

Health A-Z

Learn about the common causes of chronic lung disease in premature babies and the ways to diagnose and treat it.

Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) in newborns

Read about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) in newborn babies.

Feeding and nutrition for premature babies

Health A-Z

Learn about what a premature baby needs to eat and how they can get proper nutrition.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: 12 month visit

Health A-Z

Recommendations for babies who have spent time in the NICU or CCCU to help improve neurodevelopment at 12 months.