Causes loud snoring and sporadic cessation of breathing.SleepEncyclopedia Entry for Apnea :Apnea of prematurity. There are several reasons why newborns, in particular those who were born early, may have apnea, including: If their brain is not fully developed If the muscles that keep the airway open are weak Other stresses in a sick or premature baby may worsen apnea, including: Anemia Feeding problems Heart or lung problems Infection Low oxygen levels Temperature problems.The breathing pattern of newborns is not always regular and may be called 'periodic breathing.' This pattern is even more likely in newborns born early (preemies). This irregular pattern is felt to be normal, but also thought of as immature. It consists of short episodes (about 3 seconds) of either shallow breathing or stopped breathing (apnea). These episodes are followed by periods of regular breathing lasting 10 to 18 seconds. Apnea episodes that last longer than 20 seconds are considered serious. The baby may also have a: Drop in heart rate. This heart rate drop is called bradycardia or, sometimes, a 'brady.' Drop in oxygen level (oxygen saturation). This is called desaturation or, sometimes a 'desat.'.These babies will be placed on monitors in the hospital. The monitors keep track of their breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Apnea, drop in heart rate, or drop in oxygen level can set off the alarms on these monitors. Drops in heart rate and oxygen levels may occur for other reasons than apnea (such as passing stool or moving around), so the monitor tracings are most often reviewed by the health care team.How apnea is treated depends on: The cause How often it occurs Severity of episodes Babies who are otherwise healthy and sometimes have few minor episodes are simply watched. In these cases, the episodes go away when the babies are gently touched or 'stimulated' during periods when breathing stops. Babies who are well, but who are very premature and/or have many apnea episodes, may be given caffeine. This will help make their breathing pattern more regular. Sometimes, the nurse will change a baby's position, use suction to remove fluid or mucus from the mouth or nose, or use a bag and mask to help with breathing. Breathing can be assisted by: Proper positioning Slower feeding time Oxygen Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Breathing machine ( ventilator ) in extreme cases Some infants who continue to have apnea but are otherwise mature and healthy will be discharged from the hospital on a home apnea monitor, with or without caffeine, until they have outgrown their immature breathing pattern.Apnea is common in premature babies. Most babies have normal outcomes. Mild apnea does not appear to have long-term effects. However, preventing multiple or severe episodes is better for the baby over the long-term. Apnea of prematurity most often goes away as the baby approaches their 'due date.' In some cases, this may last as long as the 44th week, such as in infants who were born very prematurely.Apnea - newborns; AOP; As and Bs; A/B/D; Blue spell - newborns; Dusky spell - newborns; Spell - newborns; Apnea - neonatal.Apnea monitor Apnea monitor.Carlo WA, Ambalavanan N. Respiratory tract disorders.