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Warning-sign checks

Apnea of prematurity: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if the baby is not breathing, turns blue or gray, becomes limp or unresponsive, or struggles severely to breathe.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the baby's clinician promptly for coughing or color changes during feeding, unusual sleepiness, worsening breathing, poor feeding, fever, or events recorded by prescribed monitoring.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up may involve a pediatrician, neonatal follow-up program, eye or lung specialist, and developmental services.

The article also says

Before discharge, families should understand what the NICU considers a significant event, how long the baby has been event-free, and whether feeding-related events have been resolved.

Observation requirements vary by gestational age, event severity, caffeine use, and hospital policy.

Follow safe-sleep guidance for every sleep:

Place the baby alone on the back on a firm, flat sleep surface.

Keep pillows, loose blankets, positioners, and soft objects out of the sleep area.

Use prescribed oxygen or other equipment exactly as instructed.

Do not substitute a consumer breathing monitor for safe sleep or medical care.

Parents and regular caregivers should consider infant CPR training before discharge.

Families using prescribed oxygen, a medical monitor, or other equipment need hands-on training and clear instructions about alarms, equipment problems, and whom to call.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Apnea of prematurity. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.