apnea of prematurity

Apnea of prematurity is a common condition in which preterm infants temporarily stop breathing during sleep due to the immaturity of their brain and respiratory control systems. These pauses typically last less than 20 seconds and can be associated with a slowdown or pause in heart rate. As the baby's nervous system develops, these episodes usually decrease in frequency. While often benign, severe or frequent apnea may require medical intervention to ensure the baby gets enough oxygen and maintains normal heart function. It is a natural part of early development in premature infants but needs careful monitoring by healthcare providers.