When babies are born, do they have air in their lungs? Can you help me with the questions in the details?

Question

If so, how does it get there?
If not, what stops the lungs from collapsing?
Is a baby's first breath an exhalation (waaaah) followed by an inhalation or is it an inhalation followed by an exhalation?
If it is an inhalation, what causes the baby to only inhale when it is out of an aqueous environment?
Have any babies ever drowned in the womb?
Is it the same for all mammals?
Any links to learn more would be appreciated.

Answer 1

a quick study of the nature of human lungs and inutero deveolpment of the foetus would help
you don't have much air in your lungs, actually. Your lungs are mostly liquid inside. The air you inspire and expire is a mxture of gases, primarily nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide triggers your reflex to inhale. In utero, all of a foetus's needs are met through the umbilical cord. The foetus "breathes" the amniotic fluid, but this is not where oxygen and other gases are exchanged. Once the child is separated from the umbilical cord, carbon dioxide builds up in his/her blood and the reflex to breathe in kicks in. If the child is still inside the womb in the amniotic fluid, the child will in a sense drown on the fluid. If there is no oxygen being supplied through the umbilical cord, the child will die. If the child has been born and the umbilical cord is cut, the child will inspire (breathe in). So, first we have inhalation, then exhalation. Not all children cry when born; many don't.
This process is the same for most mammals. There are exceptions to every rule, after all.
hopes this answers your questions. there are tons of books out there about in utero development; head to your local library.

Answer 2

Ok when babies are in the womb, they actually breathe amniotic fluid. I realize that this sounds strange but they get their oxygen through their mother's blood passing through the umbilical cord. When a baby is born it has never breathed air. That is why the doctor will sometimes slap the baby's butt or tickle their feet to get them to start breathing. It is also why it is neccessary for the doctors/nurses to suction out the baby's mouth and nose after delivery. The reason the baby breathes the fluid is so that it's lungs can develop and get stronger even though there is no air getting in to the lungs. During birth most of the fluid is squeezed out of the lungs when the contracting occurs and the tight squeeze through the birth canal happens.

To answer your other question, The baby usually takes a breath first and then screams. That is why most doctor's avoid stimulating the baby to make it breath when it is born now. They have done studies that prove that sometimes, if the baby's first bowel movement has been passed into the fluid, the baby can take in a quick breath and end up choking on it. They can aslo aspirate it into their lungs and it can cause an infection.

I hope that answers your questions. I'm not sure if it is the same for other mammals but it probably is.

Oh and no baby has ever died in the womb from drowning.

Also, the baby actually does inhale in the aqueous environment. The lungs do not collapse because they are actually filled with amniotic fluid while in utero.

Answer 3

A babies lungs do not collaspe because of the LS ratio. When a woman is pregnant, an amniocentesis can determine the LS ratio. It should be 2:1 or 3:1 for diabetic mothers. If the ratio is not at least 2:1, the pregnancy is not induced specifically for that reason: to avoid the babies lungs from collapsing. The baby inhales first and the foramen ovale immediately closes. Sometimes it remains slightly open in males but closes later. It can happen in females too but usually closes quicker for females. Now I'm not exactly sure if it is the foramen ovale, but I'm 80% sure that's what it's called. Babies do not drown in the womb. Don't know why. It's been a while since I work post-partum. Hope this helps some.

Answer 4

this is a great question! no babies do not have air in their lungs until the first breath out of the womb. that's how you get the waaah.
the pressure in the womb has a unique design to it. baby's have fluid in there lungs until birth and they do Patric breathing, usually starting around 4 months or so. that's why vaginal birth is preferred for babies so it will help squeeze the fluid from their lungs.
no they haven't drown to my knowledge unless their is a fetal issue.
yes most mammals carry the same or very similar
as for being borne in water they do try to take their first breath under water that's why many Dr are still against underwater births. they will allow a woman to stay in the tub until the baby is ready to come then move them to a bed just before. other Dr's feel its fine it really all depends on their beliefs.
good luck:) they have a book called as your baby grows their may be a link to it if you try, asyourbabygrows.com?

Answer 5

The lungs do not collapse because they are entirely full of amniotic fluid. They practice breathing inside the womb. In and out with the fluid. As the baby passes through the birth canal, a lot of the fluid is pushed out of them. This is why natural birth is better than cesarian for the baby. Once they come out, a nasal aspirator (nose sucker) is used in the baby's nose and mouth to get the rest of the fluid out. That first breath of air is something every parent thinks about and has a few concerns about and that's why the first cry is so sweet to the ear.

Answer 6

Babies start creating surfactant in the womb. This helps them breathe once they are born. Babies who are born prematurely don't have enough surfactant developed, and have lots of problems with breathing.

Surfactant, short for “surface-active agent,” performs just the function that its name implies. When dry air meets wet lung tissue upon inhalation, surface tension is created. Surfactant is a foamy liquid that the body produces to act against surface tension and prevent the alveoli, millions of air sacs in the lungs, from collapsing under the pressure.

Answer 7

A babies lungs are full of water, which is pressed out in the birth process. When they are born, the first thing a baby has to do is take a breath. That is why everyone is happy when a baby cries, because it means they are breathing.

Answer 8

A baby lives in fluid for nine months. Their lungs are filled with the fluid so they don't collaspe. Thats why babies are turned upside down and slapped. To get the fluid out of his lungs and take his first breath

Answer 9

The following link should answer most of your question. The rest is intuitive.

Answer 10

i think they do but i wouldnt know cause when i was born i was sick and wasnt breathing