The diaphragm is the primary muscle for breathing, but because the ribcage is soft and the lungs are small, each breath requires significant effort relative to their size. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is more common in premature infants due to a lack of surfactant, a substance that keeps the air sacs open.
Factors That Influence Newborn Breathing Patterns
Pneumonia, which can be acquired before or during birth, presents with fever or low temperature alongside rapid breathing and lethargy. Parents should look for signs of distress beyond the numeric rate, such as grunting, flaring of the nostrils, or the visible pulling in of the chest muscles between the ribs or below the ribcage.
Parents should trust their instincts; if the baby appears unusually lethargic, is struggling to breathe, or if the chest appears to collapse inward with each breath, these are signs of a medical emergency that should not be observed passively. If the breathing rate exceeds 60 breaths per minute consistently, or if the skin takes on a bluish tint—particularly around the lips or fingertips—immediate medical attention is necessary.
Factors That Influence Newborn Breathing Patterns
Understanding a normal newborn breathing rate is one of the most critical skills for new parents and caregivers. Factors Influencing Respiratory Patterns Several factors can cause the normal newborn breathing rate to fluctuate significantly.
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