As your baby passes through the birth canal the pressure on its chest prevents it from breathing in the fluid and blood surrounding it. The pressure also helps to expel fluid and mucus from the lungs.
Once the mucus and amniotic fluid is suctioned from the nose and mouth, your baby must start to breathe on its own. As your baby takes its first breaths of air, the placenta peels away from the side of the uterus, and the umbilical cord will stop working.
Breathing triggers changes in the structure of your baby’s heart and arteries, which diverts blood into the lungs.
Your baby will immediately be assessed on its condition, using a system called the APGAR score.
The following is evaluated:
- Appearance / skin colour
- Pulse
- Grimace / reflexes
- Activity / muscle tone
- Respiration / breathing
This test is done in order to determine your baby’s health. The APGAR score is calculated at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
What happens to your body during childbirth? Read here.
*Disclaimer: The information contained in this article should only be used as a general information guide, and is not intended to substitute a healthcare provider’s medical advice / knowledge. Consult your healthcare provider prior to following any information contained herein. While the authors and publishers of this book have made every effort to ensure the information is accurate and correct at the time of going to print, we accept no responsibility for any inconvenience, or injury sustained by any person using this publication or following the information included.