What is the term used when a baby exhibits agonal gasping due to lack of oxygen during birthing?

The term "terminal apnea" refers to a specific response seen in newborns, especially in the context of a lack of oxygen during the birthing process. This condition manifests as agonal gasping, which is characterized by infrequent, gasping breaths that indicate the baby is struggling to breathe or has severely compromised respiratory function. Terminal apnea typically occurs when the infant is on the cusp of respiratory failure, suggesting a critical situation where immediate intervention is required.

The physiological background of terminal apnea is that it is associated with a significant drop in oxygen levels in the body, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to vital organs. In this case, the gasping reflex is a futile attempt to initiate breathing but reflects an acute distress state. Understanding this term is vital for healthcare professionals dealing with newborns, as recognizing terminal apnea can prompt timely interventions that can greatly affect the outcome for the infant.

This concept is distinctly different from other types of apnea. For example, "initial apnea" usually refers to a common occurrence seen in newborns immediately after birth where breathing may not be fully established, and "hypoxic apnea" indicates that the absence of breathing is directly due to low oxygen levels, which might not necessarily present as agonal gasping. "Active gasping"