What is Apnea of Prematurity?
Apnea is a term for the absence of breathing for more than 20 seconds. It can occur in full-term babies, but is more common in premature babies. The more premature the baby, the greater the chances that apnea will occur. Apnea may be followed by bradycardia – a decreased heart rate. When breathing slows, the heart rate also slows. A common term for apnea with bradycardia is “As and Bs.
