These might be given at regular intervals or only if apnea occurs. An alarm will sound if there is no breath for a set number of seconds. False alarms occur often. The nurse may stimulate your baby if your baby needs a reminder to breathe. If there is a change in color, the nurse may give your baby extra oxygen.
Some babies are candidates for home apnea monitoring.
Apnea of prematurity is a result of immaturity. Once a baby matures and the apnea resolves, it will not return. If a baby should have breathing pauses after apnea goes away, it is not apnea of prematurity. It is due to some other problem and needs to be discussed with your baby's physician. This is not common.