What is the normal rate for agonal gasps in newborns?

In newborns, agonal gasps are infrequent, irregular breaths that may occur as a sign of inadequate breathing or possible respiratory distress. The normal expected rate for these gasps can range widely, but when considering the context of newborn life support, a rate of approximately 12 breaths per minute is recognized. This rate indicates that the newborn is taking infrequent and ineffective gasps, which is critical to identify in terms of assessing respiratory function and determining the need for intervention.

Recognizing agonal gasps is essential because they may imply an emergency situation requiring immediate resuscitation efforts. Maintaining a clear understanding of this normal rate allows healthcare providers to differentiate between effective breathing patterns and those that necessitate further medical action.