It can be very frightening for new parents when they’re told their baby needs to spend time in a special care unit (SCBU). Parents can feel they have no role in caring for their baby, even though this is not the case. There is plenty that parents can do to support their little one in the special care unit.

Parents might be surprised to know that around 10% of babies born in the UK need to spend time in special care because they often need assistance with breathing until their lungs have matured.

There are many reasons why babies are put into special care, but the most common is prematurity. Babies can spend days or even months in a special care unit until they are big enough and well enough to go home.

What happens in the Special Care Baby Unit?

If your baby is put into special care, this can feel like a particularly stressful time for parents. So, it can help to understand what happens in the special care unit and who will be looking after your baby.

There are three levels of care. Most hospitals provide special nursing and medical care for babies, split into three levels depending on the care offered. Level one units offer the most basic level of care and don’t provide long-term ventilation support, but they are suitable for babies who are slightly premature. Level two units have ventilation support and intensive care for babies from 28 weeks of gestation. Level three units offer intensive care for babies born as early as 23 weeks and also for babies that require neonatal surgery. The staff at these units are specialist doctors and nurses, and they will be happy to show you around.
Ward rounds. Most units have a ward round every morning, and some intensive units will also have an afternoon round. Some units allow parents to be present during rounds so they can ask questions, whereas others will ask them to wait outside.
Visiting. You should be able to spend time with your baby before they go into special care; however, if they are in urgent need of ventilation, they will be sent to intensive care right away. You will be able to see your baby any time you like, and the care staff are happy to regularly update you. You will be encouraged to touch, stroke, speak, and sing to your baby as much as possible. Other family members can visit with your permission.
Tests and X-rays In the SCBU, your baby may need blood tests to check for infection, kidney function, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, sugar levels, and anaemia, and to identify their blood group. How many tests and how often are needed depends on how ill or premature a baby is. Babies in intensive care will need a series of tests on a daily basis and perhaps more often. Most babies need an X-ray in intensive care; very premature babies will likely need a chest or abdominal X-ray, cranial ultrasound, and MRI.
Assistance and support Some babies in special care need a little oxygen; others need continuous oxygen through a nasal tube. Babies may also need pressure to aid ventilation, known as CPAP. For very premature babies, a tube may be placed into the baby’s windpipe and connected to a ventilator that blows air into their lungs. Babies are regularly monitored to determine when they can be weaned off the ventilator. Neonatal intensive care babies need one more drip for fluids, blood, and antibiotics.

What is the Special Care Unit and why might my baby need to be there?

On Unii’s Giving Birth Journey, we take you inside the SCBU.