How do I know if my baby is breathing normally?
A newborn's normal breathing rate can range from 30-60 breaths per minute. If you believe your newborn may be breathing abnormally, seek medical advice immediately.
Signs of Respiratory Distress
Rapid Breathing: More than 60 breaths per minute
Flaring Nostrils: If your newborn is having difficulty breathing, you may notice their nostrils flaring with each breath.
Retractions: When the skin between the ribs or the area below the rib cage is pulling in with each breath. This is a sign that your newborn is having to work harder to breathe.
Grunting: a sign that your newborn is trying to exhale against a partially closed airway.
Cyanosis: Cyanosis is a blue or purple discoloration of the skin or lips, which can be a sign that your newborn is not getting enough oxygen.
If you suspect that your newborn is in respiratory distress, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. In a study published in the Journal of Perinatology, the authors found that early recognition of respiratory distress and early intervention significantly improved outcomes in newborns.
Jain, S., Deorari, A., Paul, V.K., and Agarwal, R. (2015). Respiratory distress in newborns. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 82(10), 917-924. doi: 10.1007/s12098-015-1753-7.
Saeed, M.A., Ahmed, A., Ahmed, A., and Waheed, A. (2016). Identifying respiratory distress in newborns. Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College, 20(1), 70-73.
Niermeyer, S., and Kattwinkel, J. (2016). Textbook of neonatal resuscitation. American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association.
Kumar, P., and Clark, M. (2019). Kumar and Clark's clinical medicine. Elsevier.
