![]() ![]() Irregular breathing may be expected in less mature babies. These episodes are followed by periods of regular breathing lasting 10 to 18 seconds. It consists of short episodes (about 3 seconds) of either shallow breathing or stopped breathing (apnea). The breathing pattern of newborns is not always regular and may be called "periodic breathing." This pattern is even more likely in newborns born early (preemies). Other stresses in a sick or premature baby may worsen apnea, including: The muscles that keep the airway open are smaller and not as strong as they will be later in life.The brain areas and nerve pathways that control breathing are still developing.There are several reasons why newborns, in particular those who were born early, may have apnea, including: Most premature babies have some degree of apnea because the area of the brain that controls breathing is still developing. A premature infant is a baby born before 37 full weeks of gestation (more than 3 weeks before the due date). ![]()
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