Learning Objectives

• Discuss the effects of gestation on the maternal respiratory system
• Discuss the foetal development of the lung and respiratory system
• Discuss the role of foetal breathing movements and fetal Hb
• Discuss the alterations in pressure-volumes relationships in the first few breaths
• Discuss the role of pulmonary surfactant
• Discuss the origins and treatment of IRDS and SIDS

Pregnancy

• what maternal physiological changes occur?
• how do these hormone changes affect asthma control?
• when does surfactant production begin?
• the fetal lung is filled with amniotic fluid, what is the role of this lung liquid?
• what is the role of fetal breathing movements?
• what is the role fetal hemoglobin?

Neonates & Prematurity

• what stimulates a baby to take its first breath?
• what is the cost of these first breaths?
• why is it so hard for infants to expand their lungs at birth?
• what changes occur that allow an infant to expand their lungs at birth?