Question
I often experience this while sleeping: my breathing stops for about 8 seconds, followed by 3-4 deep breaths, and then another pause of about 8 seconds. Sometimes, when I take deep breaths, my hands suddenly lift up or I open my eyes. My heartbeat is normal. How can I prevent my baby’s apnea?
Answer
Neonatal apnea is defined as the cessation of respiratory airflow for ≥20 seconds, accompanied or not by a decrease in heart rate or <15 seconds, with a decrease in heart rate. In premature infants, a respiratory pause of 10 to 15 seconds without a decrease in heart rate is considered a normal phenomenon. Neonatal apnea can be classified into the following types: (1) Central – caused by central nervous system disease leading to the absence of breathing movements and airflow cessation; (2) Obstructive – breathing movements are present but there is no airflow in the respiratory tract; (3) Mixed. To prevent neonatal apnea, you can take the following measures:
- Provide your baby with a good sleep environment, keeping the room quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
- Maintain your baby’s body temperature stability, avoiding both overheating and underheating.
- Pay attention to your baby’s position, keeping the head in a central position and avoiding backward or sideways tilting of the head.
- Regularly monitor your baby’s physiological indicators, such as heart rate and breathing.
- If your baby has other health issues, treat them promptly and follow medical instructions for care. If you are concerned about your baby’s apnea or have any questions, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor for assessment and advice.