If an infant is born prematurely or with health issues requiring additional care, the hospital team will stabilize the infant and transport the infant to the nearest Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which can provide the suitable level of care. Several levels of care are available at NICUs.

Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has the capabilities to

• Resuscitate and stabilize preterm and/or ill infants before transfer to a facility at which newborn intensive care is provided.
• Provide care for infants born at >32 weeks' gestation and weighing 1500 gm.
  
  • who have physiologic immaturity such as apnea of prematurity, inability to maintain body temperature, or inability to take oral feedings or
  • who are moderately ill with problems that are anticipated to resolve rapidly and are not anticipated to need subspecialty services on an urgent basis.
• Provide care for infants who are convalescing after intensive care.
• Provide mechanical ventilation for brief durations (<24 hours) or continuous positive airway pressure.

If the infant is born at <32 weeks gestation or has additional healthcare issues, then transport to a Level III NICU may occur when appropriate.