Share

The lungs of the unborn baby

accreditation
iStock
iStock

The respiratory needs of the foetus are provided by the mother.

The foetal lungs produces amniotic fluid and a material known as surfactant and this reduces the surface tension of the fluids that line the bronchioles and alveoli. Surfactant is essential, because it clears the lungs of liquid. This enables the lungs to fill with air, so that the baby can begin breathing immediately after it has been born. As the baby takes its first breath, a number of respiratory and circulatory changes commence. These changes are essential, otherwise the baby could not live outside of its mother’s womb.

Surfactant production continues after birth, as it maintains the mechanical stability of alveoli and in so doing, prevents their collapse. If a baby does not have a sufficient amount of surfactant, it can result in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which causes increasing breathing difficulty for the baby. Insufficient surfactant is also a factor in adult lung disease.

- (Health24.com)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE