This program begins with a discussion of primary roles of the placenta and umbilical cord during pregnancy. It goes on to describe the role of surfactant in the lungs and presents the current understanding of factors which foster the newborn's first breath. Other topics addressed include: steps to be taken if there is meconium in the amniotic fluid, the four routes of heat loss and the seven factors which increase a newborn's susceptibility to cold stress. The presentation ends with an overview of the Apgar score and its role in newborn assessment. | 
