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Condition

Apnea of Prematurity

Key points about apnea of prematurity

  • Apnea is a term that means breathing has stopped for more than 20 seconds. It can happen in full-term babies, but it's more common in premature babies.
  • Apnea of prematurity may not have a cause other than your baby's having an immature central nervous system. 
  • Many premature babies will "outgrow" apnea of prematurity by the time they reach the date that would have been the 36th week of pregnancy. 
  • Sometimes a baby is sent home with an apnea monitor.

Appointments

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is apnea of prematurity?

What causes apnea of prematurity?

What are the symptoms of apnea of prematurity?

How is apnea of prematurity diagnosed?

How is apnea of prematurity treated?

What are possible complications of apnea of prematurity?

How is apnea of prematurity managed?

Providers Who Treat Apnea of Prematurity

    Departments that Treat Apnea of Prematurity

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    Neonatology

    Whether your infant has arrived prematurely or has a critical illness, the Children's National Hospital's top-ranked team assists in coordinating every service you and your baby need, including consultations, assessments, emergency treatments and continuing care.

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    Infant Apnea Program

    When your baby has trouble breathing or has a form of apnea, which temporarily stops normal breathing, a home monitor allows for continuous monitoring of your baby�s breathing and heart.

    Picture of Criticak care providers

    Critical Care Medicine

    With the only pediatric, cardiac and neuro-intensive care units in the immediate Washington, D.C., area, Children's National Hospital is the region's leading provider of critical care medicine for seriously ill and injured infants and children.