Pediatrics specialties

NICU Follow-up Clinic

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Follow-up Clinic is dedicated to the health, learning and development of NICU graduates.

Who should participate?

The NICU Follow-up Clinic provides comprehensive services to children cared for in NICUs across the Richmond metropolitan area. The clinic accepts patients who:

• Were born before 32 weeks of pregnancy
• Were small for gestational age (SGA)
• Had pulmonary hypertension severe enough to require nitric oxide or ECMO
• Had seizures, hypoxic encephalopathy or meningitis
• Had an intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or PVL (brain cysts)
• Had persistent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Received an exchange blood transfusion
• Were exposed to certain drugs in the mother
• Have genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
• Have a congenital infection (e.g., CMV)

Why should my child participate?

Babies who required hospitalization in the NICU and have any of the conditions listed above may have a higher chance of later health, growth and developmental problems. Finding these problems early can allow you to begin treatment early to help build a healthy future. Many of these problems can be improved with treatment, such as physical therapy, medications or special diets.

What will the follow-up team do for my child?

The multidisciplinary NICU follow-up team includes a neonatologist, pediatric developmental specialist, geneticist and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who will help your child grow and develop to his or her highest
potential.

Members of the NICU follow-up team will:

• Examine your child
• Review current progress
• Make recommendations for promoting development
• Recommend additional specialty care as needed
• Test your child’s language and physical development
• Show you activities that will help your child’s development
• Refer your child to Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia if needed (for physical, occupational or speech therapy in your home)
• Talk with you about your child’s feeding habits
• Refer your child to a specialty feeding program and/or nutritionist if needed

Appointments

• Appointments will be made for your child three, six, 12, 18 and 24 months after their due date.
• It is very important to arrive on time and keep all of your child’s scheduled appointments.
• Clinic hours are Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointment line: (804) 828-CHOR (2467)

Created by VCU University Relations