MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Apnea monitor

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Apnea monitor

An apnea monitor checks the heart rate and respiration of the baby to make sure he or she is breathing properly. When either one falls below normal levels, the apnea monitor beeps to notify the care provider that something may be wrong. Newborns, especially preemies, are often put on an apnea monitor to observe their breathing patterns.

Update Date: 10/23/2006

Updated by: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, JD, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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