Current Paediatrics
Volume 9, Issue 2 , Pages 118-122, June 1999

Physiology of fetal adaptation at birth

    Dr
  • H.P. Duncan

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence and requests for offprints to HPD.

Summary 

The removal of the placenta, the simultaneous initiation of pulmonary gas exchange and the change from fetal to adult circulation are rapid changes that need to occur at birth for the baby to survive. Following these immediate changes, there is a much longer, slower period of transition and growth. Many changes occur in the first 3 months of life: progressive pulmonary vasodilation, maturation of gastrointestinal and liver metabolism and improved renal functions but the entire process of adaptation to extra-uterine life continues until adulthood.

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PII: S0957-5839(99)80009-8

Current Paediatrics
Volume 9, Issue 2 , Pages 118-122, June 1999

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