When normal breathing stops during sleep, it is called sleep apnea. If it happens to infants it can be fatal.
Premature babies have a higher risk.
The risk declines when the premature baby reaches their original due date. Apnea often occurs in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, which refers to unexplained death. If apnea does occur, hospital staff often notice it soon after birth. It may require an extended hospital stay. Regular prenatal care is the best way to avoid having a high risk baby.