The Role of Airway Liquid Volume in the Development of Adverse Respiratory Function After Birth

Infants born at term by caesarean section, particularly without labour, are at higher risk of developing respiratory distress after birth. This thesis establishes that high volumes of liquid present in the lungs at birth, which commonly occurs following caesarean section, contributes to detrimental lung function and breathing difficulties commonly seen in newborns with respiratory distress. This knowledge provides an opportunity for developing better strategies to manage term infants with respiratory distress and reduce the risk of this condition in the future.