A 3-day-old infant, born at 32 weeks' gestation and weighing 1700 g (3 lb, 12 oz), has three episodes of apnea, each lasting 20 to 25 seconds and occurring after a feeding. During these episodes, the heart rate drops from 140 to 100 beats per minute, and the child remains motionless; between episodes, however, the child displays normal activity. Blood sugar is 50 mg/dL, and serum calcium is normal. Which of the following is most likely true regarding the child's apneic periods?
a) Gastroesophageal reflux
b) Premature respiratory center development
c) Hypoglycemia-induced seizures
d) Immature central respiratory centers