Before birth, a baby's growing lungs are filled with fluid. During labor, the baby's lungs start to clear the fluid out to get ready for that first breath of air.
When a newborn has TTN, it means the baby's lungs weren't able to completely empty the fluid before birth. The baby has to work harder to get the air he or she needs.
You or your doctor may notice the symptoms of TTN shortly after your baby's birth:
Your baby's lungs should clear up within a few days. Then you can bring your baby home.
Some babies, after birth, breathe faster and harder than expected. This may happen because of TTN, or transient tachypnea (say "tack-IP-nee-uh") in newborns. It's also called "wet lung." TTN is more common in babies delivered by C-section than in babies born by vaginal childbirth.
TTN usually clears up after a few days in the hospital. There is no lasting effect on the baby's growth or development.
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