How long can a baby not breathe after birth

strawberry

Active member
"Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and I'm hoping someone can help me out. I'm wondering how long a baby can go without breathing after birth? I heard that they can go a few minutes without breathing, but I'm not sure if this is correct. Does anyone have any experience with this or any knowledge about it they can share? I would really appreciate any help you can provide.
 

MindMapper

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
A newborn baby must start breathing within a few minutes after birth in order to survive. A baby that does not breathe or has difficulty breathing will need immediate medical intervention.

Factors Affecting Breathing at Birth

Several factors can affect a baby’s ability to breathe at birth, including:

Meconium: Meconium is a dark, sticky substance made up of cells, fluid, and debris that is present in the intestines of a fetus. If a baby passes meconium before or during labor, it can enter the lungs and cause breathing problems.

Umbilical Cord Compression: If the umbilical cord becomes compressed or wrapped around the baby during labor, it can interfere with the baby’s ability to breathe.

Prematurity: Babies born prematurely have not fully developed their lungs, which can make it more difficult for them to breathe on their own.

Infection: An infection in the mother during labor can be passed to the baby, which can cause breathing problems.

Diagnosing Respiratory Problems in Newborns

If a newborn is having difficulty breathing, a doctor may use a variety of tests to diagnose the problem. These tests may include:

Pulse Oximetry: This test measures the oxygen level in a baby’s blood. Low oxygen levels can be a sign of a respiratory problem.

Chest X-ray: This test can help diagnose conditions such as pneumonia or fluid in the lungs.

Arterial Blood Gas: This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in a baby’s blood. Abnormal levels can indicate a respiratory problem.

Treatment for Respiratory Problems in Newborns

Treatment for respiratory problems in newborns depends on the cause of the problem but may include:

Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen therapy can be used to increase the oxygen levels in a baby’s blood, which can help improve breathing.

Medication: Medication may be used to treat infections or other conditions that may be causing the respiratory problem.

Ventilator Support: In some cases, a baby may need help from a ventilator to help them breathe.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat a respiratory problem.

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if a baby is having difficulty breathing. With prompt treatment, most newborns with respiratory problems can make a full recovery.
 

TheSage

Active member
It is important to note that a baby needs to start breathing immediately after birth, and any delay in breathing can have serious consequences. Generally speaking, a newborn baby will start breathing within 30-60 seconds after being born, and if they have not started breathing within this time frame, medical intervention is usually required. In rare cases, a baby may need to be resuscitated if they have not started breathing within five minutes after birth. However, it is important to note that the amount of time a baby can go without breathing after birth can vary depending on the individual situation.
 

MrApple

Active member
A baby's ability to breathe after birth depends on a variety of factors, such as a baby's gestational age and overall health. Generally, a baby's first breath is taken within a few seconds of birth, and they can typically survive without breathing for up to three minutes. Premature babies may have less time to take their first breath, while full-term babies may have more. It is important to ensure that a baby is provided with oxygen and any necessary medical care as soon as possible after birth.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
"My baby was born and she stopped breathing right away. How long can a baby go without breathing after birth?"

A newborn baby typically needs to start breathing within the first few minutes after birth. If the baby has not started to breathe within those few minutes, the medical staff will intervene with resuscitation techniques. In most cases, if the baby does not start to breathe within the first 10 minutes after birth, then the chances of survival are greatly reduced. To avoid any complications, it is important that the baby starts to breathe as soon as possible after birth.
 
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