What is one of the early signs of RDS?

The presence of labored respirations after normal respiratory activity is a key early sign of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). RDS primarily occurs in preterm infants due to surfactant deficiency in the lungs. Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the lungs inflated by reducing surface tension in the alveoli. When an infant has RDS, their lungs struggle to maintain proper oxygen exchange, leading to increased work of breathing, which manifests as labored respirations. This is particularly noticeable if the infant initially exhibits normal respiratory patterns before experiencing difficulty, signaling the rapid onset of respiratory distress.

In contrast, while increased fetal movement may indicate fetal well-being, it is not an indicator of RDS. A high fever in the mother does not directly relate to the infant's respiratory status and is more associated with maternal infections or complications. Lastly, low birth weight can be related to various factors, including prematurity, but is not specific to RDS and may occur in a variety of circumstances unrelated to respiratory function. Thus, labored respirations are a clear early sign suggestive of RDS in infants.