Pierre Robin sequence: Breathe easier in our care

Pierre Robin sequence is a rare birth defect that can affect your baby’s ability to breathe and eat.  

Signs include: 

• An abnormally small jaw and chin 

• A tongue that rolls too far back toward the throat, making breathing more difficult 

• Loud breathing, snoring or difficulty breathing while sleeping 

• A cleft palate (hole in the roof of the mouth) in many but not all cases 

Babies with Pierre Robin sequence usually have some problems with breathing because the airway is partially blocked by their tongue. Infants with a cleft palate have difficulty nursing or bottle feeding because it is difficult for them to suck.  

Babies with this condition use most of their energy breathing, which is why they often have trouble gaining weight.

If your baby has been diagnosed with Pierre Robin sequence, they should ideally be treated as soon as possible by a team of pediatric experts like the one you’ll find at American Family Children’s Hospital.

Some babies are diagnosed with Pierre Robin sequence during a prenatal ultrasound. If this is your situation, you’ll be referred to our maternal-fetal medicine team. A doctor will see you before your due date to help prepare you and your family for the type of care your baby will need after birth.  

Pierre Robin sequence is more frequently diagnosed during routine newborn examinations performed just after a baby is born. However, if your baby has a milder form of this condition, it might not be obvious until a follow-up appointment a few days or weeks after birth. 

The exact cause of Pierre Robin sequence is unknown, but it's believed to be the result of an abnormality during fetal development. There is nothing parents can do or refrain from during pregnancy to prevent the condition.

Fortunately, most babies with Pierre Robin sequence outgrow their breathing problems by the time they are 6 to 8 months old because their jaw grows quickly and moves their tongue forward, away from the back of their throat. Babies also learn to control their tongue over time. 

Children born with Pierre Robin sequence will always have an airway that is smaller than normal. UW Health Kids will always be there to ensure your child is properly cared for — before, during and after any treatment we provide.