NICU

While all newborns require some level of healthcare after birth, some require more specialized care. These infants are typically born prematurely or with life-threatening health conditions and require additional monitoring, support and treatment. Babies who require advanced care provided by the NICU are usually admitted within the first 24 hours after birth and their length of stay depends on the severity of their conditions.

As a leading healthcare provider, we are committed to supporting the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We are proud of our 17-year partnership with the March of Dimes, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies, particularly those affected by prematurity, birth defects, or other infant health problems. At The Woman's Hospital of Texas, we are proud to provide the area’s only NICU Family Support program with a full-time March of Dimes NICU family support program coordinator on site. The program offers information and comfort to families during the NICU hospitalization of their newborn, during the transition home, and in the event of a newborn death. It also provides professional education for NICU staff; and promotes neonatal family centered care in NICUs.

Hospital NICU programs

At HCA Houston Healthcare, our patients have access to the highest level of neonatal care available. Within our system, we have seven NICUs spanning from Level II to Level IV, meaning that regardless of hospital of birth, we are able to get infants the care they need when they need it. HCA Houston AirLIFE provides emergency air transportation for newborns in need of a higher level of care within 120 miles. The helicopter operates 24/7, staffed with a highly trained flight nurse, paramedic and skilled pilot. The neonatal transport team has specialized skills and equipment to care for newborns while they are being transported to the hospital.

Level II NICU

The Level II NICU is for infants born at or after 32 weeks and who weigh more than 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds). They require an intermediate level of care following birth due to some health problems, but they’re not so serious that they need a higher level NICU.

Level II NICU accommodations are also ideal for newborns who have graduated from Level III NICU care and those who were born closer to their due date, but require less intensive care. Level II NICU care includes:

• Blood pressure and temperature monitoring
• Heart rate monitoring
• Nutrition provided through IV, tube feeding, bottle feeding or breastfeeding
• Radiant warmers, incubators and open cribs
• Respiratory rate monitoring

Level III NICU

Level III NICU care is reserved for infants born before 32 weeks and weigh less than 1,500 grams, are critically ill, need equipment to help them breathe, or who may need surgery.

Level III NICU care includes:

• Assistance in breathing, either using a ventilator or other oxygenation methods
• Constant monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rates, temperature and blood pressure
• Radiant warmers, incubators and open cribs

Level IV NICU

At The Woman's Hospital of Texas, our Level IV NICU allows us to offer the highest level of care available for newborns who are born before 32 weeks and weigh less than 1,500 grams, are critically ill, need equipment to help them breathe, or who may need surgery.

In addition to meeting all Level III capabilities, our Level IV NICU can:

• Perform advanced imaging, including MRI and echocardiography
• Provide a full range of respiratory support, including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
• Provide life support

March of Dimes partnership

As a leading healthcare provider, we are committed to supporting the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We are proud of our 17-year partnership with the March of Dimes, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies, particularly those affected by prematurity, birth abnormalities or other infant health problems.

At The Woman's Hospital of Texas, we are proud to provide the area's only NICU Family Support program with a full-time, on-site March of Dimes NICU family support program coordinator. The program offers information and comfort to families during the NICU hospitalization of their newborn, during the transition home, and in the event of a newborn death. It also provides professional education for NICU staff; and promotes neonatal family centered care in NICUs.