Hard And Fast Breathing In Newborns: Is It Normal?

is it normal for a newborn to breathe hard

Newborns have much faster breathing rates than adults, with a normal respiratory rate of between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. This can be alarming for new parents, especially as newborns also take long pauses of up to 10 seconds between breaths and make unusual noises. However, this is usually nothing to worry about. Newborns are still learning to breathe, and their breathing pathways are much smaller than those of adults, so it's easier for them to become obstructed. It's important to familiarise yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern so you can identify any irregularities. If you're ever concerned, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

Characteristics Values
Normal breathing rate 40-60 breaths per minute while awake
Normal breathing rate during sleep 30-60 breaths per minute
Breathing rate that indicates trouble breathing Faster than 60 breaths per minute
Normal breathing pattern Breathing may stop for 5-10 seconds, then start again with a burst of rapid breathing at the rate of 50-60 breaths per minute for 10-15 seconds, followed by regular breathing
Skin colour change No change in skin colour during breathing pauses
Apnea A pause in breathing that lasts at least 20 seconds
Normal periodic breathing of infancy Usually outgrown by about 6 months of age
Continuous rapid breathing Indicates a problem
Transient tachypnea of the newborn Condition that occurs in newborns, causing difficulty in getting enough oxygen, usually goes away within 3 days
Signs of respiratory distress Flaring of the nostrils, breathing louder than usual, pulling in their chest muscles to breathe, seeming lethargic or restless, head-bobbing when breathing, changes in the colour of the baby's skin, lips, tongue, or nail beds

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Newborns breathe faster than adults

Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, at a rate of about 40 to 60 breaths per minute. This is around triple the rate of an adult's breathing. Newborns' breathing patterns are often irregular, with long pauses between breaths of up to 10 seconds, and unusual noises. This is usually not a cause for concern, but it can be alarming for new parents.

Newborns' breathing differs from adults' because they breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths, and their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct. Their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's, as it is made mostly of cartilage. Their respiration is also not yet fully developed, as they are still learning to use their lungs and breathing muscles.

It is important to familiarise yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can identify any potential issues. If a newborn is having significant difficulty breathing, or if their skin has a blue or grey tinge, seek emergency medical care. Other signs of respiratory distress include:

  • Grunting at the end of each breath
  • Flaring nostrils, indicating they are working harder to get oxygen into their lungs
  • Pulling in of the muscles around the neck and collarbones
  • Difficulty feeding in addition to breathing issues
  • Fever, in addition to breathing issues

Premature newborns are more likely to have problems breathing due to underdeveloped lungs. Full-term babies delivered by cesarean are also at increased risk for breathing issues right after birth, such as transient tachypnea, which usually resolves within three days.

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Newborns breathe through their nose

It is normal for newborns to breathe hard and fast. Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, taking 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which can be alarming for new parents. This is because newborns are still learning to breathe using their lungs and the associated breathing muscles, as they received oxygen through their umbilical cord in the womb.

If you are concerned about your baby's breathing, it is important to familiarise yourself with their typical breathing pattern. If you notice any changes, contact your doctor.

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Breathing patterns of newborns during sleep

Newborns have developing lungs and weaker muscles, so their breathing patterns may appear fast and irregular. Their breathing rate is about triple that of an adult, with a normal rate of 30 to 60 breaths per minute while awake, and 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep.

Newborn breathing patterns during sleep can sound irregular, and this is normal, even if it can be stressful for new parents. Their breathing may stop for 5 to 10 seconds, then start again with a burst of rapid breathing at a rate of 50 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds, followed by regular breathing, before repeating the pattern.

Newborns can breathe faster than 60 breaths per minute if they are upset, distressed, or crying, but their breathing rate should slow once they calm down. If it doesn't, this could indicate a problem.

Newborns also breathe mostly through their nose, and their breathing passageways are very small, so you may hear a lot of noisy breathing or even pauses in breathing. Their skin colour should not change with these breathing pauses.

By about six months of age, newborns will usually outgrow this type of breathing, known as normal periodic breathing.

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Signs of respiratory distress in newborns

Respiratory distress in newborns can be a cause for concern and requires urgent medical attention. Here are some signs that may indicate respiratory distress:

  • Fast and Shallow Breathing: Newborns with respiratory distress may breathe faster than 60 breaths per minute, which is higher than the typical range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute for newborns.
  • Grunting: A grunting or moaning sound at the end of each breath could be a sign of respiratory distress.
  • Nostril Flaring: If a newborn's nostrils are flaring, it means they are working harder to get oxygen into their lungs.
  • Chest Retractions: The skin over the breastbone and ribs may sink in during breathing, indicating that the baby is struggling to breathe.
  • Blue or Grayish Skin: A bluish or grayish tinge to the skin, especially around the mouth, head, and central body, could be a sign of oxygen deprivation.
  • Difficulty Feeding: In addition to breathing issues, if the newborn is having trouble feeding, it may be a sign of respiratory distress.
  • Lethargy: A lethargic or tired baby, along with breathing issues, could indicate respiratory distress.
  • Fever: A fever coupled with breathing difficulties warrants immediate medical attention.
  • Coughing: A deep cough may indicate mucus or an infection in the lungs.
  • Whistling Noise or Snoring: This may require suctioning of mucus from the nose.
  • Barking and Hoarse Cry: This could be a sign of croup, indicating a blockage in the windpipe.
  • Wheezing: Wheezing could be due to bronchiolitis or a blockage in the lower airways.
  • Apnea: If a newborn stops breathing for at least 20 seconds, it could be a sign of apnea, requiring immediate attention.

If you notice any of these signs in your newborn, it is important to seek immediate medical care. Respiratory distress can be a life-threatening condition, and early intervention is crucial for the best chance of recovery.

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When to contact a doctor about a newborn's breathing

While newborns often exhibit irregular breathing patterns, it is important to be vigilant and contact a doctor if you notice any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing: If your newborn is having significant difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. This could manifest as a blue or grayish tinge to the skin, especially around the mouth, head, and central body.
  • Grunting or moaning: Visit a doctor if your baby is grunting or moaning at the end of each breath.
  • Nostril flaring: This indicates that your baby is working harder to get oxygen into their lungs.
  • Pulling in of neck, collarbone, or rib muscles: If your baby's muscles are pulling in under the ribs or around the neck when breathing, it could be a sign of breathing difficulty.
  • Lethargy and fever: If your baby is lethargic and has a fever in addition to breathing issues, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Trouble sleeping or eating: If your newborn is having trouble sleeping or eating, contact a doctor or go for a walk-in appointment.
  • Fever: A fever above 100.4°F or 38°C is a cause for concern, especially if your baby is under 3 months old.
  • Breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute: Newborns younger than 6 months typically take 40-60 breaths per minute. If your baby is breathing faster than this, seek immediate care.
  • Deep cough: This could be a sign of mucus or infection in the lungs.
  • Whistling noise or snoring: This may require suctioning mucus from the nose.
  • Barking and hoarse cry: This could indicate croup, which is an inflammation of the voice box.
  • Wheezing: This could be a sign of bronchiolitis or a blockage in the lower airways.
  • Persistent dry cough: This may be an allergy or a symptom of another condition.
  • Apnea: If your newborn stops breathing for at least 20 seconds, it could be a sign of apnea.
  • Premature birth: Premature newborns may have underdeveloped lungs and are more likely to experience breathing problems.
  • Other concerning symptoms: If you notice any other symptoms that concern you, such as irritability, decreased appetite, or difficulty sleeping, don't hesitate to contact a doctor.

It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your newborn's health. If you have any concerns about your baby's breathing, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or seek medical attention.

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