Which respiratory support is commonly used for preterm infants in the first minutes after birth?

Which respiratory support is commonly used for preterm infants in the first minutes after birth?

• A. Nebulized bronchodilators every 4 hours.
• B. Nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).
• C. Oxygen via mask at 100%.
• D. Intubation with mechanical ventilation for all preterm infants.

Answer: (B)

Starting with non-invasive respiratory support right after birth is key for preterm babies. Nasal CPAP provides a steady positive pressure that acts like a gentle splint to keep the tiny airways and alveoli open as the infant breathes. This helps improve oxygen exchange, reduces collapse of the lungs, and supports the baby’s own effort to breathe without forcing air in with a machine. Because it helps maintain lung volume and reduces the risk of injury from intubation and mechanical ventilation, nasal CPAP is commonly used in the first minutes after birth for preterm infants who need respiratory support. Oxygen is not automatically delivered at 100% via a mask, and therapy is usually tailored to the infant’s oxygen needs, with the concentration adjusted to achieve safe oxygen saturation levels. Nebulized bronchodilators are not routine for newborn stabilization, and intubation with mechanical ventilation for all preterm infants isn’t appropriate—it's reserved for babies who don’t respond to non-invasive support or have significant respiratory failure.

Starting with non-invasive respiratory support right after birth is key for preterm babies. Nasal CPAP provides a steady positive pressure that acts like a gentle splint to keep the tiny airways and alveoli open as the infant breathes. This helps improve oxygen exchange, reduces collapse of the lungs, and supports the baby’s own effort to breathe without forcing air in with a machine. Because it helps maintain lung volume and reduces the risk of injury from intubation and mechanical ventilation, nasal CPAP is commonly used in the first minutes after birth for preterm infants who need respiratory support.

Oxygen is not automatically delivered at 100% via a mask, and therapy is usually tailored to the infant’s oxygen needs, with the concentration adjusted to achieve safe oxygen saturation levels. Nebulized bronchodilators are not routine for newborn stabilization, and intubation with mechanical ventilation for all preterm infants isn’t appropriate—it's reserved for babies who don’t respond to non-invasive support or have significant respiratory failure.