UCI Health Neonatology Services provide comprehensive care for critically-ill premature and full-term infants. The state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UCI Medical Center is one of only two Level III NICUs in Orange County.
The designation is only given to units that meet highly rigorous standards set by the state and is staffed and equipped to care for newborns who are extremely sick, premature or may require surgical intervention. In addition, UCI Medical Center has the only combined tertiary level perinatal and neonatal program in Orange County to care for high-risk pregnancies and newborns requiring a higher level of care, including twins, triplets and other multiples.
UCI Medical Center has one of Orange County’s highest-level NICUs to care for critically-ill newborns with the most challenging health complications. It is a Level III unit, meaning it meets the most rigorous standards set by the state of California. The 45-bed facility houses advanced diagnostic tools and technologies to treat a wide range of conditions, including brain injury, respiratory failure and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It specializes in caring for the smallest of the premature infants and infants born of multiple gestations.
Multidisciplinary approach
UCI Medical Center is the only facility in Orange County that offers specialized care in one location for high-risk expectant mothers and their babies. The advanced obstetric and neonatal care provided by the UCI Health Maternal-Fetal Program can mitigate many of the complications associated with high-risk pregnancies. Our multidisciplinary program is Orange County’s only service that combines specialists in high-risk obstetrics with experts in newborn care and has produced some of the nation’s best outcomes for complicated pregnancies.
Infants in the NICU are cared for by a multidisciplinary team that includes highly-trained neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers.
Conditions & Services
Our neonatologists have cared for babies as young as 23 weeks old and weighing less than one pound. Our state-of-the-art NICU is equipped to treat the most complex cases, including babies born with brain injury from asphyxia and respiratory failure.
In addition to prematurity, babies can be admitted into the NICU because they are underweight, have a congenital birth defect, a condition that needs surgery or a medical condition that requires special attention, including:
We know that having an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may be a difficult time for you and your family. Our intention is to provide the best possible emotional and physical care while ensuring security for your infant. Here is some additional information about our facility to help you while your premature or critically ill newborn is receiving care.
We have many local accommodation and dining options, as well as spiritual support services and more.
Improving Black maternal survival and the birthing experience
With Black women dying of pregnancy-related complications at nearly three times the rate of their white peers, Dr. Carol A. Major says it is imperative to redress this inequity. A new approach is needed to help health professionals recognize, avoid and overcome gaps in care, with a special focus on meeting the unique needs of Black obstetric patients and their infants.
Pregnant women in their last trimester of pregnancy and their birth partners are invited to learn more about caring for a newborn baby. Learn feeding, bathing, diapering, signs of illness and more.
