Heavy Breathing In Newborns: Is It Normal?

is it normal for a newborn to breathe heavy

Newborns often make unusual noises while breathing, and their breathing patterns can be quite different from those of adults. Their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct, and their chest wall is more pliable because it is made mostly of cartilage. Newborns also breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths, and their respiration is not yet fully developed. All of this can lead to heavy breathing, which is usually nothing to worry about. However, it's important to be aware of your baby's typical breathing pattern so that you can identify any potential concerns early on.

Characteristics Values
Number of breaths per minute 30-60 while awake; 30-40 while sleeping
Breathing rate during sleep 30-60 breaths per minute
Skin colour Should not change with breathing pauses
Pauses between breaths Should not last longer than 10 seconds
Chest movement Pulling in of the ribs when taking a breath
Bluish skin colouring Should disappear

shunchild

Newborns breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths

Nasal breathing helps to prevent the aspiration of milk while feeding. It also humidifies and warms the inhaled air, as well as decontaminating it. Newborns have certain physical features that make mouth breathing more difficult, including a larger tongue, smaller mouth, and elevated larynx.

While newborn breathing may appear irregular to new parents, it is usually nothing to worry about. Newborns can breathe fast, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. Their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct, and their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's as it is made mostly of cartilage. Their respiration is also not fully developed, as they are still learning to use their lungs and the associated breathing muscles.

If you are ever concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is always best to consult a doctor or medical professional.

shunchild

Their breathing pathways are smaller and can be easily obstructed

Newborns have smaller breathing pathways than adults, which can easily become obstructed. Their nostrils are much smaller, and they breathe mostly through their nose. This means that any mucus or inflammation can cause a blockage, and their breathing pathways can become clogged.

Newborns' chest walls are more pliable than an adult's, as they are made of mostly cartilage. Their chest wall is still developing, and their chest muscles are weaker, which can also impact their breathing. Their chest may pull in with each breath, especially around the collarbone and ribs.

Newborns' lungs are not fully developed, and they are still learning to use them and the associated breathing muscles. Their lungs are tiny, and they have weaker muscles, which means they are still learning to breathe. They may also have amniotic fluid and meconium in their airways right after birth, which can cause breathing difficulties.

Newborns' breathing patterns can be very different from adults, and they may breathe much faster. They may take 40-60 breaths per minute while awake, and 30-60 breaths per minute during sleep. Their breathing may also be irregular, with pauses of up to 10 seconds between breaths.

It is important to be aware of your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can identify any potential issues. If you notice any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:

  • Fast breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute) that doesn't slow down when they are calm
  • Persistent grunting when they exhale
  • Bluish colouring around the lips, eyes, hands or feet that doesn't go away
  • Pauses between breaths that last longer than 10 seconds
  • Pulling in of the chest with each breath, especially around the collarbone and ribs

shunchild

Their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's

A newborn's chest wall being more pliable than an adult's is a key factor in understanding their respiratory patterns. The increased pliability of a newborn's chest wall is primarily due to the presence of cartilage instead of fully developed bones. This structural difference has significant implications for their breathing.

Firstly, the pliable chest wall allows for a greater range of motion during inhalation and exhalation. The ribs can expand more easily, accommodating a larger volume of air with each breath. This increased chest wall motion can make a newborn's breathing appear more pronounced and heavier compared to an adult's.

Secondly, the cartilage composition of the chest wall contributes to a faster respiratory rate in newborns. Cartilage is more flexible and less restrictive than bone, allowing for quicker and more frequent movements of the rib cage. This results in a higher respiratory rate, which is necessary to meet the increased oxygen demands of a newborn's rapidly growing body.

Additionally, the pliable chest wall is advantageous for newborns as it provides some degree of protection against respiratory infections and disorders. The flexibility of the cartilage allows for slight changes in chest shape, accommodating the expansion and contraction of the lungs during respiratory illnesses. This adaptability may provide some relief during respiratory distress.

It is important for new parents to be aware that a newborn's breathing patterns, including a heavier appearance and faster rate, are typically normal and attributed to the unique characteristics of their developing bodies. However, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for any concerns or signs of respiratory distress, such as laboured breathing, wheezing, or a persistently increased respiratory rate.

shunchild

Their respiration isn't fully developed

It is normal for newborns to breathe heavily, and there are several reasons why this might be the case. One of the primary reasons is that a newborn's respiratory system is not yet fully developed.

A newborn's lungs are still developing and maturing, and they have smaller airways and less lung tissue compared to older children and adults. As a result, they may breathe faster and heavier than older individuals to get the oxygen they need. Additionally, their chest and diaphragm muscles are still strengthening, which can lead to a heavier breathing pattern as they work harder to inhale and exhale.

Another factor contributing to heavier breathing in newborns is their higher metabolic rate. Newborns have a faster metabolism

shunchild

They may still have amniotic fluid and meconium in their airways

Newborns often have irregular breathing patterns that can be concerning for new parents. Their breathing patterns look and sound different from adults because their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct, and their chest wall is more pliable as it is made of mostly cartilage. Their respiration isn't fully developed yet, as they are still learning to use their lungs and the associated breathing muscles.

One of the reasons newborns may breathe heavily is that they may still have amniotic fluid and meconium in their airways right after birth. Meconium is the dark, thick, and sticky first poop of a newborn baby, made of water, cells, hair, mucus, and other materials. Babies typically pass meconium in the first few hours and days after birth, but some pass it while still in the womb during late pregnancy. Swallowing meconium is safe for newborns, but breathing it in can cause serious respiratory problems.

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when a newborn has trouble breathing because meconium got into their lungs. Meconium can irritate the airways, injure lung tissue, and block surfactant, a fatty substance that helps open the lungs after birth. MAS can cause respiratory distress, infection, and, in rare cases, death. However, with treatment, most babies with MAS recover completely within a few days or weeks, depending on how much meconium they inhaled.

If meconium is detected in the amniotic fluid, healthcare providers will look for signs of fetal distress, such as changes in heart rate and respiratory issues like grunting, nasal flaring, or blue skin colour. If the baby is active and crying, no treatment is necessary. However, if the baby is unresponsive or in distress, providers will suction the baby's nose, mouth, and throat to remove the meconium. In severe cases, a tube may be placed in the baby's throat to further suction meconium from the windpipe, and an oxygen mask may be used to help them breathe.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment