The quiet hum of the nursery, the soft glow of the nightlight… and then, you lean over the crib and notice it. Your precious newborn’s chest, usually rising and falling in that sweet, steady rhythm, suddenly… stills. Your heart lurches. Seconds tick by like hours. And then, just as panic sets in, a flurry of quick, shallow breaths, before things settle again. Sound familiar, mama or papa? That heart-stopping moment is something many new parents experience. Often, what you’re seeing is something called periodic breathing.
It’s a common breathing pattern in newborns, especially when they’re sleeping. And I know, any change in your baby’s breathing can feel alarming. But let me walk you through what periodic breathing in newborns is all about.
So, What Exactly is Periodic Breathing?
Think of it like your baby’s breathing system is still in its start-up phase. With periodic breathing, your little one might have a brief pause in their breathing, usually just for about five to ten seconds. Then, almost as if they’re catching up, they’ll start breathing again, often with a little burst of faster breaths. We doctors call that fast breathing tachypnea – just a medical term for breathing quickly.
This whole cycle – a pause, then some rapid breaths – might happen a few times in a row before their breathing settles back into a more regular, steady rhythm. It’s most common when they’re deep in dreamland. The good news? As your newborn grows and their tiny body gets better at controlling everything, these periodic breathing cycles typically just… stop. It’s usually just a temporary, expected quirk.
How It Looks and Feels (For You!)
When you’re watching your baby, periodic breathing might look like this:
- Little pauses: Their chest might be still for 5, maybe up to 10 seconds. It can feel like an eternity, I know.
- Catch-up breaths: Right after the pause, you’ll see a series of quick, sometimes shallow, breaths.
- Back to normal: This pattern might repeat a couple of times, and then they’ll go back to their usual, even breathing.
- Baby’s usually unfazed: Often, your baby will sleep right through it, completely unaware of the mini-drama!
When is Periodic Breathing Normal, and When Should I Worry?
Okay, this is the big question, isn’t it? Periodic breathing in newborns is generally considered perfectly normal for babies up to about six months old. In fact, it’s most common when they’re really little, say between two and four weeks of age. Their little systems are just getting the hang of things!
However, your instincts as a parent are so important. There are definitely times when we need to pay closer attention. Here’s when you should be concerned:
- Longer pauses: If your baby stops breathing for longer than 10 seconds at a time.
- Color changes: This is a key one. If you notice their skin, lips, or tongue turning a bluish color, or perhaps a grayish, yellowish-gray, or even whitish hue if they have a darker complexion. This can be a sign their oxygen levels are dropping (a condition called hypoxemia), and that’s something we take very seriously.
- If they’re hard to wake up: If your baby seems unusually floppy or you can’t rouse them.
If you see any of these signs, please don’t wait. Call 911 or your local emergency services, or take your baby to the nearest emergency room right away. It’s always better to be safe.
Is This the Same as Apnea?
You might have heard the word apnea and be wondering if it’s the same as periodic breathing. They’re actually different.
Apnea is a medical term for when a baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or longer. Sometimes, it can be a shorter pause but happens along with a very slow heart rate or a dip in their blood oxygen level. There can be many reasons for true apnea, like infections, certain metabolic issues, or even some birth defects. If a baby is born prematurely, they might have something called apnea of prematurity. This just means the part of their brain that controls breathing isn’t quite fully developed yet. If a baby has apnea, we’ll work to figure out why and how to help.
Periodic breathing in newborns, on the other hand, is that pattern of short pauses followed by quick breaths that we’ve been talking about. It’s quite common in both full-term and premature babies, and as I mentioned, it’s usually not a cause for concern on its own.
When to Pick Up the Phone
Trust your gut. I can’t say this enough. As you spend these precious days and nights with your newborn, you’ll become the world’s leading expert on your baby. You’ll learn their little sighs, their sleepy grunts, their “I’m hungry” cues.
So, if something about your baby’s breathing just doesn’t feel right to you – even if it’s not one of those urgent signs we discussed – please, call your pediatrician or family doctor. We’re here to help, and we’d much rather you call and have it be nothing, than have you worrying at home. And definitely give us a ring if you’re still noticing these periodic breathing patterns after your baby is past the six-month mark.
Key Takeaways on Periodic Breathing
Here’s a little summary of what to keep in mind about periodic breathing in newborns:
- It’s common: Many newborns do it, especially in the first few weeks and months.
- Short pauses: Pauses in breathing are usually 5-10 seconds, followed by faster breaths.
- Often during sleep: You’ll likely notice it most when your baby is sleeping.
- Usually outgrown: It typically resolves on its own by about 6 months of age.
- Know the red flags: Pauses longer than 10 seconds, color changes, or being hard to wake are reasons for immediate medical attention.
- Different from apnea: True apnea involves longer pauses or other concerning signs and needs medical evaluation.
- Trust yourself: If you’re worried, call your doctor. You know your baby best.
You’re doing a great job navigating all these new experiences with your little one. It’s a steep learning curve, for sure! Remember, we’re here to support you. You’re not alone in this.
