After your baby is born and the doctor confirms that he is breathing properly, your baby will be placed against your chest to form a mother-child bond. You will feel in awe of your baby that you have been waiting for for 9 months. The big change that occurs is your baby's first breath.
At this point, the baby's lungs, which had been filled with fluid during pregnancy, will fill with oxygen from the air. Fluid in the lungs will pass through the blood and lymph system, and is replaced by air. A baby's lungs must be able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. At the same time, strong blood circulation in the lungs will begin. The first few breaths after birth are probably the hardest breaths a baby will experience in their life.
Within a few minutes after birth, your baby will be stimulated to breathe, the amniotic fluid will dry out so your baby doesn't lose heat and your baby will be watched during this transition. If all goes well, your baby will be placed on your chest, with skin contact.
When your baby is born, he may not look like you think. If you have never seen a newborn, you may be surprised at how your baby looks. If your baby is born normally, the baby's head may be elongated or called a "conehead".
Caring for an unhealthy baby
On rare occasions, something can happen to growth during pregnancy. Babies may be born with growth problems in one or more organ systems. This is called a congenital defect, or birth defect. Some babies have chromosomal abnormalities and some are born with genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, or sickle cell anemia.
Congenital and genetic disorders can present challenges for you and your child as he grows up, especially if these conditions are left untreated. As a parent, you may have longed for the "perfect" baby. You may feel disappointed when you realize your baby has a birth defect or genetic disorder. You may feel emotional, shock, rejection, sad, and angry, before finally accepting what happened. Surgery and other forms of medical therapy can be useful in treating the condition.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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