Apnea of Prematurity
(Apnea in a Premature Baby)
What is apnea of prematurity?
"Apnea" means not breathing. "Prematurity" is when a baby is born too early. Apnea of prematurity is when a premature baby stops breathing for short periods. These pauses in breathing last 20 seconds or more and happen over and over.
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Apnea of prematurity usually happens when the part of your baby’s brain that controls breathing isn't fully developed
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About 1 in 4 premature babies get it
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The apnea happens less often over weeks and months as your baby's brain develops
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Restart breathing by gently touching your baby
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Sometimes doctors use caffeine, or a CPAP machine or ventilator, to help with breathing
What causes apnea of prematurity?
What are the symptoms of apnea of prematurity?
How can doctors tell if my baby has apnea of prematurity?
How do doctors treat apnea of prematurity?
Doctors treat any problems causing the apnea.
During a breathing pause, gently touch your baby to help restart breathing.
If your baby's apnea happens a lot:
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Your baby may need to be in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)
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Doctors may give your baby caffeine, which stimulates breathing
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Your baby may need a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or ventilator to help with breathing
Just like other babies, babies with apnea of prematurity should sleep on their back and not their tummy. Your doctor will check to make sure your baby can safely ride in a car seat.
