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Lung changes at birth

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The follows changes occur at birth:

  • lung liquid is reabsorbed - chest compression squeezes out a third of the fluid, adrenalin promotes reabsorption of the rest.
  • surfactant is released, triggered by adrenalin and steroids. Synthesis is also begun.
  • a fall in the capillary pressure of the lungs occurs with the expansion of the alveoli, and the vasodilatory effect of oxygen. Other circulatory changes take place - physiological closure of the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale, such that whole of the cardiac output flows via lungs
  • respiratory movements of the chest commence

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