Medical Conditions

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect transient tachypnea of the newborn, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), also called "wet lung," is a common condition where a newborn breathes faster than normal (more than 60 breaths per minute) because of retained fluid in the lungs. It is more common after cesarean delivery and typically resolves on its own within 24-72 hours. While it usually requires only supportive care, the baby needs monitoring to rule out other causes of fast breathing.

Key takeaways

  • Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), also called "wet lung," is a common condition where a newborn breathes faster than normal (more than 60 breaths per minute) because of retained fluid in the lungs. It is more common after cesarean delivery and typically resolves on its own within 24-72 hours. While it usually requires only supportive care, the baby needs monitoring to rule out other causes of fast breathing.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby had TTN diagnosed in the hospital, received supportive care, and is now breathing normally
  • Call your doctor if: Your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute at rest, has nasal flaring, grunting, or chest retractions, as these signs of respiratory distress require immediate medical evaluation
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

By Age

What to expect by age

0-6 hours

TTN typically presents within the first few hours of life. The baby breathes faster than 60 breaths per minute and may show nasal flaring, mild chest retractions, or grunting. The baby's oxygen levels may be slightly low. TTN is more common in babies delivered by cesarean section (because they miss the chest compression during vaginal delivery that helps squeeze fluid from the lungs), late preterm babies (34-37 weeks), and babies born to mothers with diabetes or asthma. The medical team will monitor the baby and may provide supplemental oxygen.

6-24 hours

During this period, the baby is typically being monitored in the nursery or NICU. A chest X-ray may show fluid in the lung fissures or prominent blood vessels, which is characteristic of TTN. The baby may need supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula or an oxygen hood. Feeding may be delayed if the breathing rate is too high (above 60-80 breaths per minute), as fast breathing increases aspiration risk. IV fluids may be used for hydration until feeding is safe. Symptoms usually begin to improve by 12-24 hours.

24-72 hours

Most cases of TTN resolve within 24-72 hours as the retained lung fluid is absorbed. The baby's breathing rate will gradually normalize, oxygen support can be weaned, and feeding can begin or progress. If symptoms have not improved significantly by 48-72 hours, the medical team will consider other diagnoses such as pneumonia, sepsis, or congenital heart disease. A resolved case of TTN has no long-term effects on the baby's lungs or health.

3-7 days

If TTN has resolved, the baby should be breathing normally, feeding well, and ready for discharge. No specific follow-up is needed for TTN itself, as it leaves no lasting effects. However, if your baby was treated for TTN and you notice any return of fast breathing, difficulty feeding, or color changes after discharge, contact your pediatrician. These symptoms after a TTN diagnosis has resolved would suggest a different underlying issue.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby had TTN diagnosed in the hospital, received supportive care, and is now breathing normally
  • The medical team has confirmed that lung fluid has cleared and oxygen levels are stable
  • Your baby is feeding well and ready for or has been discharged home
  • You were informed the TTN was likely related to cesarean delivery and resolved as expected
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby had TTN and you notice occasional episodes of slightly fast breathing after discharge
  • You are concerned about your baby's breathing pattern during or after feeding
  • Your baby was diagnosed with TTN and you want to understand if there are any long-term implications
Act now when...
  • Your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute at rest, has nasal flaring, grunting, or chest retractions, as these signs of respiratory distress require immediate medical evaluation
  • Your baby has a bluish discoloration of the lips or skin, is excessively sleepy, or is refusing to feed, as these could indicate worsening respiratory compromise or another condition

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn.

Things to mention

  • Your baby had TTN and you notice occasional episodes of slightly fast breathing after discharge
  • You are concerned about your baby's breathing pattern during or after feeding
  • Your baby was diagnosed with TTN and you want to understand if there are any long-term implications

Observations to share

  • Your baby had TTN and you notice occasional episodes of slightly fast breathing after discharge
  • You are concerned about your baby's breathing pattern during or after feeding
  • Your baby was diagnosed with TTN and you want to understand if there are any long-term implications

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute at rest, has nasal flaring, grunting, or chest retractions, as these signs of respiratory distress require immediate medical evaluation
  • Your baby has a bluish discoloration of the lips or skin, is excessively sleepy, or is refusing to feed, as these could indicate worsening respiratory compromise or another condition

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

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Frequently asked questions

Is transient tachypnea of the newborn normal?
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), also called "wet lung," is a common condition where a newborn breathes faster than normal (more than 60 breaths per minute) because of retained fluid in the lungs. It is more common after cesarean delivery and typically resolves on its own within 24-72 hours. While it usually requires only supportive care, the baby needs monitoring to rule out other causes of fast breathing.
When should I call the doctor about transient tachypnea of the newborn?
Your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute at rest, has nasal flaring, grunting, or chest retractions, as these signs of respiratory distress require immediate medical evaluation Your baby has a bluish discoloration of the lips or skin, is excessively sleepy, or is refusing to feed, as these could indicate worsening respiratory compromise or another condition
When is transient tachypnea of the newborn normal?
Your baby had TTN diagnosed in the hospital, received supportive care, and is now breathing normally The medical team has confirmed that lung fluid has cleared and oxygen levels are stable Your baby is feeding well and ready for or has been discharged home
What causes transient tachypnea of the newborn?
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), also called "wet lung," is a common condition where a newborn breathes faster than normal (more than 60 breaths per minute) because of retained fluid in the lungs. It is more common after cesarean delivery and typically resolves on its own within 24-72 hours. While it usually requires only supportive care, the baby needs monitoring to rule out other causes of fast breathing. Common explanations include: Your baby had TTN diagnosed in the hospital, received supportive care, and is now breathing normally. The medical team has confirmed that lung fluid has cleared and oxygen levels are stable.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about transient tachypnea of the newborn?
You should mention transient tachypnea of the newborn at your next visit if: Your baby had TTN and you notice occasional episodes of slightly fast breathing after discharge. You are concerned about your baby's breathing pattern during or after feeding. Your baby was diagnosed with TTN and you want to understand if there are any long-term implications.
Is transient tachypnea of the newborn normal at 0-6 hours?
TTN typically presents within the first few hours of life. The baby breathes faster than 60 breaths per minute and may show nasal flaring, mild chest retractions, or grunting. The baby's oxygen levels may be slightly low. TTN is more common in babies delivered by cesarean section (because they miss the chest compression during vaginal delivery that helps squeeze fluid from the lungs), late preterm babies (34-37 weeks), and babies born to mothers with diabetes or asthma. The medical team will monitor the baby and may provide supplemental oxygen.
Is transient tachypnea of the newborn normal at 6-24 hours?
During this period, the baby is typically being monitored in the nursery or NICU. A chest X-ray may show fluid in the lung fissures or prominent blood vessels, which is characteristic of TTN. The baby may need supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula or an oxygen hood. Feeding may be delayed if the breathing rate is too high (above 60-80 breaths per minute), as fast breathing increases aspiration risk. IV fluids may be used for hydration until feeding is safe. Symptoms usually begin to improve by 12-24 hours.
Should I go to the ER for transient tachypnea of the newborn?
Seek emergency care if your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute at rest, has nasal flaring, grunting, or chest retractions, as these signs of respiratory distress require immediate medical evaluation, or if your baby has a bluish discoloration of the lips or skin, is excessively sleepy, or is refusing to feed, as these could indicate worsening respiratory compromise or another condition. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does transient tachypnea of the newborn go away on its own?
In many cases, transient tachypnea of the newborn resolves on its own, especially when your baby had TTN diagnosed in the hospital, received supportive care, and is now breathing normally. By 3-7 days, if TTN has resolved, the baby should be breathing normally, feeding well, and ready for discharge. No specific follow-up is needed for TTN itself, as it leaves no lasting effects. However, if your baby was treated for TTN and you notice any return of fast breathing, difficulty feeding, or color changes after discharge, contact your pediatrician. These symptoms after a TTN diagnosis has resolved would suggest a different underlying issue.
AAPNIHMARCH OF DIMES

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn. NeoReviews. AAP
  2. [2]MedlinePlus. Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn. National Library of Medicine. NIH
  3. [3]March of Dimes. Common Conditions in Newborns. March of Dimes

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Resources

Breathing TriageWell-Baby Visit PrepBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of transient tachypnea of the newborn are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute at rest, has nasal flaring, grunting, or chest retractions, as these signs of respiratory distress require immediate medical evaluation.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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