Overview
An apnea monitor checks the heart rate and respiration of the baby to make sure they are breathing properly. When either one falls below normal levels the apnea monitor beeps notifying the parent that something may be wrong. Newborns, especially premies, are often put on an apnea monitor to observe their breathing patterns.
Review Date 7/1/2023
Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.