Overview

Causes

A baby’s lungs are filled with fluid during pregnancy. TTN happens when newborns do not clear this fluid after being born. This limits the amount of oxygen a baby can breathe and causes them to breathe faster. It is not known why this happens.

Risk Factors

TTN is more common in newborn boys, large babies, and premature babies. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Birth by Cesarean section with or without labor
  • Diabetes or asthma in the mother
  • Being pregnant with more than 1 baby

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

TTN may cause:

  • Fast, difficult breathing
  • Grunting or moaning sounds when breathing out
  • Flared nostrils
  • A chest that sinks in between the ribs with each breath
  • Skin around the mouth and nose that is blue in color

Diagnosis

The doctor will look at your pregnancy and labor history. A physical exam of the baby will be done.

An oxygen sensor may be placed on the baby's foot to find out how much oxygen is making it into the blood from the lungs. A chest x-ray may be done to look for signs of fluid.

TTN may not be diagnosed until the symptoms go away. This may not be until three days after birth.

Treatments

Treatment

Babies usually get better within three days of birth. The goal of treatment is supportive care and monitoring. This can be done with:

  • Oxygen or breathing support
  • Fluids and nutrition by IV or a feeding tube in the nose

Prevention

There are no guidelines to prevent TTN. The exact cause is not known.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.