If an infant experiences difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of an infection or a serious problem in the lungs.
What is a normal breathing pattern in a newborn?
Infants breathe faster than older children and adults, with rates normally between 40-60 breaths per minute and slowing into the 30’s while sleeping. Infants also may breathe fast for several times and then pause their breathing for not more than 10 seconds (periodic breathing). Healthy breathing looks easy without appearing to require a lot of work. If an infant experiences difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of an infection or a serious problem in the lungs.
What are some signs of breathing problems?
- Rapid or irregular breathing: breathing more than 60 breaths per minute or pausing breathing for more than 20 seconds (apnea)
- Flaring nostrils
- Retracting: the chest pulls in at the ribs when inhaling
- Grunting
- Blue color/cyanosis: especially in the face/mouth area
- Persistent coughing
There are many possible reasons for problems breathing in a newborn, some quite serious. Since infants can’t say what they are feeling, caution is necessary and early consultation with the baby’s health care provider is suggested.
What is St. Mary’s goal?
First and foremost, we want to maximize your baby’s health! We strive to make your birth experience at St. Mary’s Hospital as joyful as possible as a new life is brought into your family. We strive to include you in our team, which is dedicated to providing unsurpassed medical treatment with compassionate and individualized care.
Learn more about St. Mary’s Neonatal & Pediatric Services
About Charles Potter, MD
Dr. Charles F. Potter is a board-certified neonatologist-perinatal medicine specialist, a physician who specializes in the care of infants while they are in the hospital. He received his medical education from the Medical College of Wisconsin, completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals, and completed his specialty fellowship at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
Please note:
St. Mary’s Blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional about health concerns you may have.