children s health issues
Apnea of Prematurity
Symptoms of Apnea of Prematurity
In the hospital, premature newborns are routinely attached to a monitor that sounds an alarm if they stop breathing for episodes of 20 seconds or more or if their heart rate slows. Depending on the length of the episodes, pauses in breathing may decrease the oxygen levels in the blood, which results in a bluish discoloration of the skin and/or lips ( Cyanosis ) or pale skin (pallor). In newborns of color, the skin may change to colors such as yellow-gray, gray, or white. These changes may be more easily seen in the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth, nose, and eyelids. Low levels of oxygen in the blood may then slow the heart rate (bradycardia). 