The baby's first breath is stimulated primarily by an increase of carbon dioxide in the blood.

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During fetal development, the baby's lungs are filled with fluid and do not participate in gas exchange. As a result, the baby relies on the mother's placenta to oxygenate its blood and remove waste carbon dioxide. Once the baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, the baby must start breathing on its own. The increase in carbon dioxide in the blood stimulates the baby's respiratory center to initiate the first breath.

The Baby's First Breath Is Stimulated Primarily by an Increase