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Neonatology

Booking an appointment with top neonatologists is now easier than ever with Apollo 24|7. Our experienced neonatal specialists are dedicated to providing the best care for your newborn, ensuring their health and well-being. With a wide network of trusted hospitals and clinics, you can conveniently schedule an online or in-person consultation at a time that suits you best. Our neonatologists work closely with you to develop personalised treatment plans and provide the necessary support for your baby's growth and development. Don't wait; book your appointment with a skilled neonatologist at Apollo 24|7 today.

What is Neonatology?

Neonatology is a subspeciality of paediatrics that focuses on the medical care of newborn infants, particularly the ill or premature newborn. It is a critical speciality within healthcare, dedicated to providing the most comprehensive care for newborns who are not only premature but also have illnesses, injuries, or birth defects that require immediate medical attention. This field is pivotal as it aims to stabilise and treat newborns with conditions that are life-threatening or require complex surgery. 

The expertise in neonatology ensures that the most vulnerable infants have access to medical care that optimises their survival and long-term health outcomes, making it an essential aspect of paediatric healthcare.

Who is a Neonatologist?

A neonatologist is a specialist who focuses on the care of newborns in need of special medical attention, especially during the first 28 days of life. To become a neonatologist, an individual must first qualify as a doctor, then specialise further in paediatrics, and finally gain additional training in neonatology. 

These medical professionals are skilled in managing a range of complex health conditions affecting newborns, including prematurity, infections, birth defects, and surgical problems. 

Their role is crucial in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where they lead the care teams that monitor and treat the youngest patients. Neonatologists work closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care tailored to the needs of each infant.

What Does a Neonatologist Do?

A neonatologist’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities that are vital to the early stages of a newborn's life.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessing Newborn Health: Neonatologists perform the initial assessment and diagnosis of newborns to identify any conditions that require immediate care.

• Developing Treatment Plans: They devise and implement treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of each infant, particularly for those in critical condition.

• Managing Neonatal Disorders: These specialists manage a variety of complex neonatal problems including respiratory distress, infections, and congenital abnormalities.

• Coordinating Care: Neonatologists coordinate with other healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, nurses, and family doctors, to provide comprehensive care.

Daily Activities

• Rounds in NICU: Their day often begins with rounds in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they monitor the progress of each infant under their care.

• Patient Consultations: They consult with obstetricians during prenatal visits when a newborn is known to have health issues.

• Emergency Care: Neonatologists respond to emergencies involving newborns, providing immediate care and stabilisation.

• Family Support and Communication: They also play a crucial role in communicating with and supporting the families of newborns, helping them understand their child’s health status and care needs.

Overall, the work of a neonatologist is intensive and requires a high level of expertise and dedication, ensuring the health and survival of the most vulnerable patients in the hospital.

What are the Other Sub-specialities of Neonatology?

Neonatology encompasses various sub-specialities that focus on different aspects of newborn care. Here’s a brief overview of related sub-specialities within neonatology:

• Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU): This sub-speciality deals with newborns who need intensive medical attention immediately after birth. NICUs are equipped to handle all sorts of critical conditions, making them crucial for the survival of premature and medically fragile newborns.

• Neonatal Cardiology: Specialists in this area, known as neonatal heart specialists, focus on diagnosing and managing heart problems in newborns. They work on conditions like congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, and heart malformations.

• Neonatal Pulmonology: Known as neonatal lung doctors, these specialists treat respiratory disorders in newborns. Their expertise is crucial for managing diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital lung malformations.

• Neonatal Neurology: This sub-speciality involves the care of newborns with neurological issues, including seizures and congenital brain anomalies. The brain care neonatologist plays a vital role in the early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

• Neonatal Endocrinology: Specialists in this field manage hormonal and metabolic disorders in newborns, such as hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency. Their work ensures that critical endocrine functions are supported from birth.

• Neonatal Gastroenterology: Focusing on the digestive system, these specialists handle conditions like congenital anomalies of the gut, liver diseases, and feeding difficulties in newborns.

• Neonatal Infectious Diseases: These specialists deal with infections in newborns. Their expertise is essential in diagnosing, treating, and managing infections that can be particularly severe in young infants.

• Neonatal Hematology: Concerned with blood disorders in newborns, such as anemia and neonatal thrombocytopenia, this sub-speciality is vital for managing issues related to the blood.

• Neonatal Surgery: Neonatal surgeons are specialists for congenital birth defects who perform surgeries on newborns to correct deformities and life-threatening conditions. Their role is critical in managing surgical needs ranging from simple to complex cases.

• Neonatal Developmental Pediatrics: This area focuses on the development of newborns, especially those who are at risk of developmental disabilities due to premature birth or other health issues. The baby care specialist monitors growth and developmental milestones, providing interventions when necessary.

These sub-specialities ensure comprehensive care covering every aspect of a newborn's health, from a doctor for neonatal jaundice handling conditions like newborn jaundice to surgeons correcting congenital defects, embodying a wide-reaching approach to neonatal medicine.

What are the Neonatology Examinations or Tests Performed by the Neonatologist?

Neonatologists perform a variety of diagnostic tests and examinations to assess and monitor the health of newborns. These tests are crucial for identifying any underlying conditions that might not be immediately apparent. Here’s an overview of the most common diagnostic tests within this field:

• Blood Tests: These are routinely performed to check for infections, anaemia, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte imbalances. Blood tests can provide quick and essential data about a newborn’s health.

• Ultrasound: This imaging test is used frequently in neonatology for diagnosing internal abnormalities, examining cerebral anatomy, and checking the heart for any defects. It's a non-invasive method that provides valuable information about various organs and systems.

• Echocardiography: Specifically used to assess the heart, this specialised ultrasound test checks for congenital heart defects and other cardiac issues. It's an essential tool for the neonatal heart specialist to evaluate the structure and function of a newborn's heart.

• X-rays: Often used to view the lungs, especially in babies who have breathing difficulties or suspected pneumonia. X-rays can also help detect skeletal abnormalities.

• Hearing Tests: These are conducted to ensure that a newborn's hearing is within the normal range, which is crucial for early language and social development.

• Bilirubin Test: Specifically important for a newborn jaundice doctor, this test measures the levels of bilirubin in blood to assess and manage jaundice, a common condition in newborns.

• Genetic Testing: Used to identify genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, these tests can guide further care and interventions.

When you book neonatologist, these are some of the key examinations you can expect them to perform. Each test is designed to give a comprehensive understanding of the newborn's health, guiding the neonatologist in creating an effective treatment plan.

What are the Common Conditions & Diseases that Neonatologists Treat?

Neonatologists are specialised in treating a variety of conditions that affect newborns, particularly those that are life-threatening or require intensive care. Here are the top 15 conditions managed by these specialists:

1. Prematurity: Care for babies born before 37 weeks of gestation who may face various health challenges including respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and temperature control issues.

2. Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A condition primarily seen in premature babies, characterised by underdeveloped lungs.

3. Jaundice: Excessive bilirubin in the blood causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, often treated with light therapy.

4. Neonatal Sepsis: A severe infection in the bloodstream, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.

5. Perinatal Asphyxia: A lack of oxygen at birth that can lead to various neurological and physical complications.

6. Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the brain's ventricular system, most common in very premature infants.

7. Necrotising Enterocolitis: A serious intestinal disease in premature infants, involving inflammation and, sometimes, the death of bowel tissue.

8. Congenital Heart Defects: Abnormalities in the heart structure present at birth, requiring medical assessment and interventions.

9. Retinopathy of Prematurity: An eye disease affecting prematurely born babies that can lead to vision loss.

10. Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels that can cause seizures and other serious health issues.

11. Transient Tachypnea: A respiratory disorder causing rapid breathing soon after birth.

12. Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Genetic disorders affecting the body’s ability to convert food into energy.

13. Meningitis: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, often caused by infection.

14. Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A condition caused by a decrease in blood and oxygen flow to a baby's brain near the time of birth.

15. Congenital Infections: Infections such as CMV, rubella, or herpes that can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Reasons to See a Neonatologist

If your newborn is facing health issues right after birth, consulting a neonatologist might be essential. Here are the primary reasons to seek their expertise:

• Premature Birth: Infants born prematurely often need special care for their underdeveloped organs.

• Severe Infections: Newborns showing signs of infections like sepsis require immediate medical attention.

• Breathing Problems: Any respiratory distress or unusual breathing patterns in a newborn could necessitate neonatal care.

• Unusual Symptoms: Persistent issues such as excessive crying, feeding problems, or lethargy.

• Genetic Conditions: Known genetic anomalies or family history of inherited diseases.

For any concerns, consider an online neonatologist consultation to discuss the best care path for your newborn.

What Types of Procedures do Neonatologists Perform?

Neonatologists are skilled in performing a range of procedures essential for the care and recovery of newborns, particularly those who are premature or critically ill. These procedures are categorised into therapies and surgeries, each crucial in addressing different aspects of neonatal care.

Top Therapies in Neonatology

• Phototherapy: Used to treat newborn jaundice by lowering bilirubin levels through light exposure.

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Helps babies with breathing difficulties by keeping their airways open with constant air pressure.

• Surfactant Replacement Therapy: Administered to help premature babies’ lungs function more effectively by reducing surface tension within the lungs.

• Thermoregulation Management: Involves maintaining a stable body temperature using incubators or radiant warmers.

• High-Frequency Ventilation: A ventilatory therapy for babies who cannot tolerate conventional mechanical ventilation.

• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A lifesaving technique used for infants with severe lung or heart failure, providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support.

• Intravenous Therapy (IV): For delivering fluids, medications, or nutrition directly into a vein.

• Umbilical Catheterisation: Placement of a catheter in the umbilical vein or artery to administer medications or monitor blood pressure.

Top Surgeries in Neonatology

• PDA Ligation: A surgical procedure to close the patent ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that normally closes after birth.

• Inguinal Hernia Repair: Surgery to correct hernias in the groin area, common in premature infants.

• Tracheostomy: Creating an opening in the neck to place a tube into a baby’s windpipe to help with breathing.

• Gastrostomy: The insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach for long-term nutrition.

• Necrotising Enterocolitis Surgery: Required for removing diseased bowel in infants suffering from this severe intestinal condition.

• Central Line Placement: Insertion of a central venous catheter to administer drugs or fluids over a long period.

• Congenital Heart Defect Repair: Surgical correction of heart defects present at birth, which may involve multiple procedures.

Each of these therapies and surgeries requires specific expertise and careful management to ensure the best outcomes for neonatal patients. The neonatologist fee often reflects the complexity and critical nature of these procedures.

Why Choose an Apollo 24|7 Neonatologist?

Neonatologists at Apollo 24|7 are highly qualified and experienced medical professionals specialising in the care of newborns. They have advanced training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting premature, critically ill, or congenitally impaired infants. 

Our neonatologists are committed to providing personalised care and utilising the latest evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for your baby. With access to modern facilities and a multidisciplinary team of specialists, Apollo 24|7 neonatologists offer comprehensive care for even the most complex cases. 

Patients can easily book consultations, both online and in-clinic, for seamless access to expert neonatal care whenever needed.

What to Expect When Visiting a Neonatologist?

Visiting a neonatologist can be a crucial step in ensuring the health and well-being of a newborn, especially if they are facing medical challenges. Here’s what you can typically expect during a visit:

• Initial Assessment: The neonatologist will conduct a thorough examination of the newborn to assess their overall health, growth, and development.

• Detailed Consultations: Discussions about the baby's medical history, symptoms, and any concerns the parents might have. This is also a time for the neonatologist to explain the condition and the necessary interventions.

• Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the neonatologist will outline a treatment plan, which may include medications, therapies, or even surgery, depending on the baby’s needs.

For further assurance, parents often look up neonatologist reviews to choose the best specialist. It's also common to search for a neonatologist near me to find a conveniently located expert who can provide timely care.

How Can I Get an Appointment With a Neonatologist?

If you need to consult a neonatologist for your newborn's care, there are several ways to book an appointment:

• Online Booking through Apollo 24|7 Website: Visit the Apollo 24|7 website and navigate to the "Book Appointment" section. Select "Neonatology" as the speciality and choose your preferred neonatologist from the list of available doctors. Select a convenient date and time for your consultation and provide the necessary details to confirm your appointment.

• Apollo 24|7 Mobile App: Download the Apollo 24|7 mobile app on your smartphone. Log in or create an account, then select "Book Appointment" from the main menu. Choose "Neonatology" as the speciality and follow the prompts to select your preferred neonatologist, date, and time for the consultation. Confirm your appointment by providing the required information.

• Referral from Your Obstetrician or Paediatrician: If your obstetrician or paediatrician believes that your baby needs to see a neonatologist, they can refer you to a specialist at Apollo 24|7. You can then contact the hospital directly to schedule an appointment with the recommended neonatologist.

• Call Apollo 24|7 Helpline: If you prefer to book an appointment over the phone, you can call the Apollo 24|7 helpline number and speak with a representative who will assist you in scheduling a consultation with a neonatologist at your preferred location and time.