Periodic breathing is a common and usually harmless breathing pattern in newborns. This pattern involves brief pauses in breathing, typically observed when young infants are asleep. It is a normal developmental phenomenon and does not usually indicate a medical concern. Understanding this breathing style can help parents recognize what is typical for their baby.
Identifying the Pattern of Periodic Breathing
Periodic breathing involves a specific cycle. The baby will take a series of rapid, shallow breaths for a short period. This is then followed by a brief pause in breathing. After this pause, the baby resumes breathing, often starting with a few quick breaths before settling back into a more regular rhythm.
The pauses in breathing are typically short, lasting around 5 to 10 seconds. During these brief interruptions, the baby’s skin color remains normal, and their heart rate does not slow down. They generally appear calm and undisturbed throughout the cycle, showing no signs of distress. This pattern can repeat multiple times before the baby’s breathing becomes steady again.
The Cause of Periodic Breathing in Newborns
The occurrence of periodic breathing in newborns is primarily due to the immaturity of their central nervous system. The part of the brain responsible for regulating breathing is still developing. This developing system is not yet capable of maintaining a perfectly smooth and consistent rhythm.
During this developmental stage, the brain’s signals to the respiratory muscles are not always continuous. As a result, there can be brief periods where the breathing reflex pauses before restarting. It is a temporary phase that typically resolves as the infant grows, often by six months of age.
Distinguishing Normal Patterns from Warning Signs
While periodic breathing is a normal occurrence, it is important to differentiate it from signs of a more serious underlying issue, such as apnea or respiratory distress. Apnea is a pause in breathing lasting 20 seconds or longer. A shorter pause can also be concerning if it is accompanied by other noticeable changes in the baby’s condition.
These concerning changes include cyanosis (a bluish tint around the mouth or on the face), indicating a lack of oxygen. A baby might also appear limp or have a significantly slowed heart rate during such a pause. These combined signs indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen and requires immediate medical attention.
Other warning signs include visible breathing efforts, such as:
- Nasal flaring (where the nostrils widen with each breath), which can be a sign of increased respiratory effort.
- Grunting sounds with each exhale, suggesting the baby is struggling to keep airways open.
- Chest retractions (skin pulling in between the ribs, below the ribcage, or at the neck with each breath), another indicator of respiratory distress.
- A persistent, unusually fast breathing rate, outside the typical range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute for newborns.
If any of these warning signs are present, contact a pediatrician promptly. Seek immediate emergency medical care if the baby stops breathing or turns blue.