Oxygen Saturation Variation During and After Breastfeeding in Stable Term Neonates During First 48 Hours of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding involves complex coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. While oxygen desaturation during feeding is well-documented in preterm neonates, it remains underexplored in healthy term neonates. This study evaluates SpO₂ variations during and after breastfeeding in stable term neonates during the first 48 hours of life. Material and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the postnatal wards of R.L. Jalappa Hospital over 3 months. The study included 50 term neonates (gestational age ≥37 weeks) who were hemodynamically stable and exclusively breastfed during the first 48 hours. SpO₂ was measured before, during, and after breastfeeding at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Data were analysed using SPSS version22.0,with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean birth weight of the neonates was 3.03 ± 0.37 kg, and the mean gestational age was 39 weeks. At 12 hours, a significant decrease in SpO₂ was observed during breastfeeding (95.66% to 94.84%) with partial recovery post-feeding (95.12%). A similar trend was observed at 48 hours, where SpO₂ decreased by 0.71% during breastfeeding and recovered post-feeding. Statistically significant differences in SpO₂ were found at 12 and 48 hours (p < 0.05). These fluctuations were small but significant and fell within the normal physiological range.

Conclusion: Minor fluctuations in SpO₂ during breastfeeding are normal physiological responses in term neonates, likely due to transient changes in respiratory patterns and oxygen demand during feeding. The study suggests that monitoring SpO₂ levels during the first 48 hours could serve as a standardized tool to assess feeding difficulties and help identify neonates who may require further evaluation or intervention.