Periodic breathing in newborns is defined by which pattern?

• A. Cessation of breathing for more than 10 seconds
• B. Episodes of apnea less than 10 seconds alternating with normal breathing
• C. Rapid deep breathing alternating with normal breathing
• D. Shallow breathing alternating with deep rapid breathing

Answer: (B)

Periodic breathing is a pattern in which breathing shows cycles of normal breaths interspersed with brief pauses. This is best described as episodes of apnea lasting less than 10 seconds alternating with normal breathing. In healthy newborns, especially during sleep, these short pauses are common and usually harmless, resolving within a couple of weeks. Longer pauses, or pauses with color change or bradycardia, would raise concern and suggest true apnea or another issue. The other patterns described—pauses longer than 10 seconds, rapid deep breathing with normal breathing, or shallow alternating with deep rapid breaths—do not fit periodic breathing.