The factors which regulate the transition to lung gas exchange in the newborn are not well
understood. The transition begins within seconds of birth with the newborn's first breath and
is largely complete by 30 min of age at which time breathing is continuous, and arterial
blood gas tensions and pH approach stable newborn values. Experiments indicate that
sensory stimulation caused by cutaneous cooling or sciatic nerve stimulation can result in
the initiation of brea-thing within seconds. Thus, massive sensory stimulation of the newborn …