Oxygen desaturation occurs when a person’s blood-oxygen level decreases. In newborns, oxygen desaturation usually results from premature birth, as the baby’s lungs and brainstem may not be fully formed yet. Less frequently, oxygen desaturation in babies can signal a more serious health issue, such as congenital heart disease.
Premature babies who experience oxygen desaturation without an underlying medical issue must still be treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to support proper breathing and prevent complications. While most babies make a full recovery, the experience can still be stressful for parents. Here is what you can expect.
Oxygen desaturation related to prematurity causes breathing pauses lasting from 15 to 20 seconds, as well as a low blood-oxygen level and reduced heart rate. If your child exhibits these symptoms, they will be transferred to the NICU for formal diagnosis.
In the NICU, breathing, heart function, and blood-oxygen are consistently monitored. Medical practitioners will also evaluate your baby to determine if they have health issues, such an infection. Monitoring will continue as your baby grows and develops. It is not possible to say how long your child will be in the NICU, but it is not uncommon for a child to spend weeks or even months in the facility to ensure their lungs and brain have fully developed.
When breathing problems are related to prematurity, and prompt treatment is administered, most babies fully recover from oxygen desaturation and do not require ongoing treatment. If there is an underlying breathing issue contributing to problems, your child may need continuous treatment, which will vary according to the underlying condition or disease.
Once your newborn is released from the NICU, they will undergo a period of monitoring to ensure their breathing is good. You may also be asked to monitor your child using medical devices when they come home. In any case, feel free to ask questions and seek information from your doctor for your own peace of mind.