Introduction Neonatal ICU enters as a fundamental tool to quality care to sick newborns, becoming of paramount importance in reducing neonatal mortality. Knowing the population served allows appropriate care plan and strategize improvements in care for mother and newborn.

Objective To identify risk factors related to admissions to Neonatal ICU of the Hospital Teaching Alcides Carneiro-RJ/Brazil

Methodology A descriptive, cross-sectional study to Neonatal ICU, January 1 to March 31, 2014

Results In the period 692 children was born in the maternity ward, 78 (11.7%) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The total number of hospitalizations was 83 infants, five external drives. Maternal diagnoses that contributed: infection (70.3%), hypertensive disease (28.4%), infections mandatory prenatal screening (9.45%), gestational diabetes (5.4%), Premature detachment of placenta (2.7%). The caesarean rate was 65%, with the main indications: fetal distress (29.6%), preeclampsia (24%). Regarding gestational age 61.4% were premature, 16.8% of these extremely preterm infants. We observed 50% of newborns with low birth weight, very low birth weight 7.3% and 8.5% extremely low birth weight. The admission diagnoses were: respiratory disorders (68.6%), prematurity (50.6%), infection (21.6%), asphyxia (15.6%), hyperbilirubinemia (7.2%), metabolic disorders (7.2%), congenital infection (6%).

Conclusion As the only service of reference for the public health system in our county, received a maternal and child care to higher morbidity. Identify possible causes related to the hospitalisation of newborns, are preventable infections that can be diagnosed and addressed during prenatal causes rethink the health system offered to pregnant women and propose our discussion forums.