Newborn Not Breathing After Birth: Causes & Signs

This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a pediatrician or neonatologist immediately if you notice breathing difficulties in a newborn.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and relieving experience. However, when a baby struggles to breathe or stops breathing entirely, it can be worrisome for parents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cases of newborn not breathing after birth or experiencing immediate breathing difficulties are among the most common complications in neonatal care. While some situations resolve rapidly, others necessitate urgent medical intervention. In this blog, we’ll explore why these issues occur, how to recognize signs of breathing problems in newborns, and what you, as a parent, can do to help.

Why Some Newborns Struggle to Breathe After Birth

Newborn breathing challenges can stem from various factors, including:

Immature Lungs
Sometimes a newborn’s lungs are not fully developed and cannot provide enough oxygen. This is particularly common in premature infants. In these cases, you might observe infant shallow breathing or infant laboured breathing soon after delivery.
TTN (Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn)
Newborns with TTN often face breathing problems soon after delivery. TTN happens when a baby’s lungs still have extra fluid, leading to newborn rapid breathing during sleep or when awake, and it often appears within the first few hours of life.
Airway Obstruction or Malformation
Airway obstruction or malformation can cause breathing issues right at birth. Structural issues in a baby’s throat, nose, or other airway passages can result in baby breathing hard or newborn shallow breathing.
Prolonged Lack of Oxygen
Prolonged lack of oxygen before or during birth can affect newborn breathing. This may occur if the umbilical cord is compressed or if there are complications during delivery. In severe cases, the baby’s brain may be affected if oxygen is too low for an extended period.

According to WHO (World Health Organization) and research published in PubMed, knowing the root cause of infant breathing issues is crucial, as early treatment can help avoid potentially serious complications.

Signs of Breathing Problems in Newborns

Parents often ask, “Which finding is indicative of abnormal newborn breathing?” In reality, several signs can signal trouble:

Newborn shallow breathing or baby shallow breathing
A baby taking very small, rapid breaths can be a sign of inadequate oxygen intake.
Newborn breathing fast while sleeping or newborn rapid breathing while sleeping
Quick and heavy respirations during rest might indicate infant hyperventilating or difficulty clearing fluid from the lungs.
Baby breathing fast after feeding or newborn rapid breathing after feeding
Some babies struggle to breathe properly after feeding, leading to stomach breathing in infants or what looks like infant laboured breathing.
Infant shallow breathing while sleeping
This might be noticed during nap time. If your baby is breathing rapidly and shallowly, watch for other concerning signs like grunting or flaring of the nostrils.
“Newborn quick breathing” or “infant panting in sleep”
Panting is a form of rapid breathing that can be normal for brief moments. However, persistent panting might indicate an underlying issue.
Newborn abnormal breathing
This can include noisy breathing (stridor), grunting, or a persistent cough.
Signs of difficulty breathing in newborns such as the chest sinking in under the ribs or above the collarbone (retractions).

While it’s normal for infants to experience brief changes in breathing patterns, especially in the first days of life, repeated or prolonged episodes should never be overlooked.

What Does Normal Baby Breathing Look Like?

Many parents wonder, “What does normal baby breathing look like?” Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, often around 30–60 breaths per minute. Brief pauses can also be normal. However:

Is belly breathing normal in an infant?
Mild belly breathing is common, as babies rely on their diaphragms more than older children and adults. Yet if you notice pronounced stomach breathing in infants paired with flaring nostrils or grunting, it may point to respiratory distress.

👉 According to the Mayo Clinic, belly breathing is common in infants. However, if it comes with nostril flaring, grunting, or bluish skin, it may indicate distress.

Tip: To tell if your baby is breathing properly, observe skin color, feeding ability, and whether breathing returns to a calm rhythm after crying or breastfeeding.

How to tell if baby is breathing properly
Check if your baby’s coloring is normal (not turning blue or gray), and observe if they can feed calmly despite slight increases in breathing rate. Occasional “infant panting in sleep” might be standard, but keep monitoring for any pattern that seems extreme.

Remember, babies do go through phases of faster breathing, like newborn breathing fast when breastfeeding or crying, but they should settle into a more relaxed rhythm afterwards.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

When an infant under one year stops breathing, it’s a medical emergency. If you’re unsure whether your baby’s breathing pattern is normal, trust your instincts and contact a medical professional. Seek help if:

Breathing is consistently faster than 60 breaths per minute.
There’s flaring of the nostrils, and the baby appears pale or bluish.
The baby seems unable to feed due to infant laboured breathing.
The newborn shows prolonged episodes of gasping or apnea (breathing pauses lasting longer than 20 seconds).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends calling your pediatrician immediately or going to the nearest hospital if these symptoms persist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

FAQs

1. What happens if a baby doesn’t breathe after birth?
Lack of oxygen right after birth could lead to health complications, especially if not addressed promptly. In many cases, medical teams swiftly provide interventions like suction or oxygen support to stimulate newborn quick breathing.

2. How long can a newborn go without breathing at birth?
Typically, doctors expect newborns to start breathing on their own within seconds to a minute after delivery. Beyond that, oxygen deprivation can cause serious issues. If why does my newborn breathe fast while sleeping becomes a concern or if breathing stops entirely, reach out for help right away.

3. How long should it take a newborn to begin breathing after birth?
Most babies take that first breath almost immediately. However, a delay of one to two minutes might occasionally occur. According to Mayo Clinic findings, any significant delay requires prompt medical evaluation.

4. Can a baby recover from birth asphyxia?
Yes, with immediate intervention and proper medical care, many babies recover. However, in severe cases where prolonged lack of oxygen has led to organ damage, ongoing care may be necessary to address developmental or neurological concerns.

Conclusion

Encountering signs of breathing problems in newborns can be frightening, but staying calm and acting fast helps ensure your baby gets the right care. When an infant under one year stops breathing, it is a serious issue, and you should contact a healthcare professional immediately. If you notice persistent newborn shallow breathing, newborn breathing fast during sleep, or any other consistent changes in your baby’s breathing pattern, consult a pediatrician. Early detection and swift intervention can make all the difference in your baby’s well-being.

This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a pediatrician or neonatologist immediately if you notice breathing difficulties in a newborn

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