NICU Apnea

Apnea refers to when and infant, or baby, stops breathing momentarily, causing irregular breathing patterns. In the NICU, when apnea occurs, that means the infant has not taken a breath for 20 seconds or longer. Apnea can happen in shorter spans of time if also accompanied by a bradycardia.

Infants in the NICU are always linked up to monitors, so an alarm will sound if the baby has an apnea spell. This will immediately notify the NICU staff.

Apnea usually is a symptom to a more serious underlying issue.  The exception is when the apnea is related strictly to prematurity.  NICU staff will monitor the apnea spells closely to see if they get worse.

It is important as a parent to talk to the neonatologist or physician in regards to any questions or concerns pertaining to apnea.  If the apnea is severe enough, an infant may be discharged home with an apnea monitor.