Apnea

Apnea is a condition in which a baby stops breathing periodically for more than 15 to 20 seconds. Premature infants, particularly those born more than seven weeks early, or before 32 weeks of pregnancy), may suffer from apnea from time to time.

While in the womb, the babies receive oxygen from the mother's placenta. However, once born, a baby needs to breathe on its own. Some premature babies are unable to breathe normally when first born because their brains are not yet programmed to sustain nonstop breathing. This is called central apnea.

Premature babies also can suffer from obstructive apnea, which occurs when their small airways become blocked. This may be caused by mucus, or the baby may be in a position that kinks the airway.

Apnea also is associated with another condition, called bradycardia. This is a slowing of the heart rate, usually to less than 80 beats per minute for a premature baby. Bradycardia often follows apnea or periods of very shallow breathing.

Experts at UCSF Children's Hospital care for infants with apnea in the William H. Tooley Intensive Care Nursery.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007