Due to the complexity of this process a mumber of problems can occur and these may be influenced by fetal factors (e.g. Caesarean section, prematurity, infection meconium aspiration), maternal factors (e.g. anaesthesia or medication including opiates, hypertension) and placental factors (e.g abruption or chorioamnionitis). Examples include:
- Transient Tachypnoea of the Newborn - a self-limiting period of respiratory distress most often seen in term babies following pre-labour Caesarean Section. It is thought to be due to delayed absorption of lung fluid and may require oxygen therapy.
- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome - it is not uncommon for infants to pass meconium before delivery. In rare instances the infant may aspirate meconium stained liquor, this occurs when a hypoxic infant begins to gasp in utero. Pulmonary vasodilatation is delayed and results in Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension which can make an infant very unwell.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus - common in pre-term infants, this is more unusual in term infants but should be considered as a possible cause of persistent respiratory distress. Unlike with premature babies, it rarely responds to medical therapy and, if it has not closed spontaneously within a few weeks, it will likely require surgical or cardiac intervention.