NICU Levels: What Do They Mean?

Bringing a baby into the world is often one of life’s most exciting and happiest moments. More than 3.5 million babies are born every year, and more than 10% need specialized care from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It’s important to choose a delivery hospital that is capable of providing all of the care you or your baby may need. 

A baby can be admitted into the NICU for many reasons, including prematurity, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, or complications during delivery. NICUs are classified by the American Academy of Pediatrics into levels based on their capabilities. Level IV (four) is the highest level, and Level I (one) is the lowest.

Level I: Basic Newborn Care

Sometimes known as newborn nurseries, a Level I NICU provides basic care for preterm infants, babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These NICUs provide routine care for healthy preterm babies.

Level II: Advanced Newborn Care

Level II (two) NICUs, also called special care nurseries, care for babies born at 34 weeks gestation or older. These facilities are for babies who have moderate medical issues.

Level III: Subspecialty Newborn Care

Level III (three) NICUs provide critical care for babies born before 32 weeks gestation or babies with specific medical conditions that may require specialized pediatric care.

Level IV: Regional Perinatal NICU

Level IV NICUs feature medical and surgical specialists who care only for children. These facilities care for babies who need specialized, long-term intensive care or cardiac surgical procedures. Level IV NICUs provide the same services as Level III NICUs with the addition of pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists who care for babies with congenital conditions.

Saint Luke’s NICUs

Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City: Level III NICU 

• Cares for babies born at 22 weeks gestation or greater, as well as babies born with critical illness at all gestational ages. We consistently exceed national survival rates for premature and other at-risk infants.
• Has highly skilled neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners on-site 24/7.
• Offers private rooms that add a higher level of privacy, as well as dual patient rooms for families of multiples. 
• Provides state-of-the-art whole-body cooling to temporarily reduce a newborn's body temperature. By reducing the body temperature, whole-body cooling reduces brain damage and improves long-term outcomes. May be used for newborns who are at risk for brain injury.
• One of the only hospitals in the region to partner with March of Dimes to offer their NICU Family Support® program. The program provides education and critical information for NICU families, family-centered care training for hospital staff, and resources to improve the patient and family experience. 
• Provide Angel Eye, a secure monitor that allows loved ones to see their babies in the NICU from anywhere offering additional peace of mind. 

Saint Luke’s East Hospital: Level III NICU  

• Cares for babies born at 30 weeks gestation or greater, as well as babies born with critical illness at all gestational ages.
• Includes individual rooms for all babies to allow families greater privacy and private environments to bond. We also have private rooms for families with twins.  

Saint Luke’s North Hospital: Level II NICU

• Cares for babies born at 34 weeks gestation or older, or those recovering from more serious conditions.

A NICU stay isn’t always in the plans, but families can find comfort in knowing baby will be supported by specialized NICU care at Saint Luke’s if needed. Learn more about Saint Luke’s NICUs or find an OB-GYN who delivers at Saint Luke’s.