Babies who have breathing problems exhibit certain symptoms that show they are in distress. The normal rate of respirations for a newborn is between 40 and 60 breaths per minute, although this may slow when a baby is sleeping or may be faster if she is crying. Health care professionals who work with newborn infants are specially trained to recognize breathing problems and to provide treatment for a newborn
in distress.
Babies who are having breathing problems may breathe at a rate greater than 60 breaths per minute despite the absence of crying. Babies may also use muscles of the abdomen, between the ribs or near the neck to breathe, which indicates they are working harder to get air. Other signs of breathing problems include a bluish color around the lips, grunting while exhaling and flaring of the nostrils.
Transient Tachypnea
Transient tachypnea of the newborn occurs when amniotic fluid inside the baby's lungs remains after delivery, causing breathing difficulties. According to Penn State Children's Hospital, a baby's lungs are filled with fluid that may be squeezed out while coming through the birth canal. Lack of crying, a very fast or precipitous delivery or birth by Cesarean section can all increase a baby's chances of having retained fluid in the lungs.
