Apnea of Prematurity treatment in Magdalena Contreras

In babies born prematurely, parents and the medical team may notice pauses in breathing that warrant close monitoring. Apnea of prematurity is the brief interruption of breathing in premature newborns, due to the immaturity of the centers that control breathing.

How it presents: breathing pauses, sometimes accompanied by a slowing of the heart rate or changes in skin color.

When is it monitored? It is usually detected and monitored in the hospital setting during the first weeks of a premature baby's life.

Which specialists address it? The neonatologist leads the care of the newborn, with support from the pediatrician and, depending on the case, the pediatric pulmonologist. If your baby was premature and you notice pauses in breathing after discharge, report it immediately to the medical team caring for the baby.