Is my baby okay? A glimpse into periodic breathing in infants

By Aishat Idowu, R.N.

Image source: parent.com

Have you ever asked the question "is my baby okay"all because he stops breathing briefly? Yes, your baby is! Why? Because your baby is perfectly normal but he's simply forgetting to breathe.

Weird right? This is called periodic breathing.

PERIODIC BREATHING is a breathing pattern in babies in which pauses occur for short periods, usually 5-10 seconds, or at least 3 seconds, then followed by a fast and shallow breathing that returns to normal without any help or intervention.

It occurs more when babies are in deep sleep, but may occur during light sleep and while they are awake. With periodic breathing, babies will return to normal breathing shortly without any problem. Sometimes, it is not a single pause but a series of three or more pauses that are completely harmless.

This pattern of breathing reduces with age and becomes very rare after the age of 6 months. It occurs in both mature (babies up to 9 months before birth) and preterm babies (those born before 9 months) but is seen more frequently in the preterms.

Why this?

May be you're wondering why these pauses have to occur?

It's simple. It is so because their brain is yet to properly develop and master the role of regulating breathing. So the result is pauses, literally referred to as "forgetting to breathe".

It's a baby thing, so it does not happen in older children and adults except that some problems are present.

When is help needed?

You need to see a baby specialist if your baby;

• Pauses for very longer than 20 seconds and frequently
• Becomes blue or pale during pauses
• Becomes flabby or limp during and/or after the pause(s).
• Has a fever.

In all of these cases, more serious problem may be present.

Quick tips

• Always stay around with your baby, especially while asleep, this helps to notice any change and take action
• Use comfortable but not very soft mattress with many pillows. This could result in suffocation.

One more thing...

When next your baby displays this, don't panick but do this👇

Wear a big smile, pour yourself a tasty drink of choice, sit on a rocking chair and simply watch the show! 😀