Question
A newborn experienced mild asphyxia at birth, cried briefly afterward, and then fell asleep. At four months old, the baby’s development was normal. Is it possible for a newborn suffering from asphyxia to not cry?
Answer
Fetuses receive oxygen through the placenta in the mother’s womb. Once born, this oxygen supply is cut off, and the newborn must rely on their own lungs for breathing. The first cry is a sign that the lungs have started to function, and crying is closely linked to breathing from birth. A strong cry indicates deep breathing. If a newborn is unable to produce the first cry, it may lead to various diseases and sequelae. In most cases, healthcare professionals take measures to stimulate the baby to cry, establishing normal lung breathing function.