Why do children get pneumonia at birth? Every year, so many people die from it.
- bySherya
- 28 Aug, 2025

Pneumonia in Newborn Babies: Pneumonia in newborn babies can cause breathing problems and fever. According to the WHO, millions of children die every year due to this disease.

Pneumonia in Newborn Babies: The birth of a newborn baby is the most beautiful moment for any family . But sometimes this happiness turns into worry when the child has trouble breathing or starts coughing repeatedly and has a high fever. According to doctors, this condition may be pneumonia.
The World Health Organization ( WHO) report states that every year, lakhs of newborn babies lose their lives due to pneumonia. This disease attacks children quickly due to their weak immunity.
Why does pneumonia occur at the time of birth?
The biggest reason for pneumonia in infants is their weak immune system. At the time of birth, the lungs of children are not fully developed, which increases the risk of infection.
What could be the reasons
- Infection in the mother during pregnancy
- Lack of cleanliness at birth
- Lungs remain weak in the case of premature birth
- Risk of other hospital infections
Symptoms of Pneumonia in Children
- having a high fever
- Persistent coughing
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- the child is not drinking or eating
- Body turning cold or blue
- Ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous, and you should immediately consult a doctor
How many deaths occur every year?
According to WHO , pneumonia is the biggest cause of death among children under the age of 5. According to statistics, every year more than 7 lakh children die due to pneumonia across the world . The highest number of these are newborns and small children.
How is rescue possible?
- Regular check-up and timely treatment of pregnant women
- Cleanliness and safe environment during childbirth
- Feeding the baby breast milk ( colostrum ) immediately after birth , which increases immunity
- getting vaccinated on time
- Maintaining cleanliness in and around the home
Pneumonia is a serious disease in newborns which can prove fatal if not treated on time. Every year lakhs of innocent children fall prey to this infection and lose their lives. Therefore, it is important that cleanliness , nutrition and timely treatment should be taken care of from pregnancy to birth and after that .