Why is it considered a good sign if a baby cries at birth ?

 

From the first minutes following birth, the baby is assessed by the professionals present using a very precise grid listing vital signs. Among the criteria sought, the baby's cry is often highly anticipated and provides valuable information on his general state of health.

Why does a baby cry when born?

In the womb, the fetus does not need to use his lungs to breathe. At birth, his entire rib cage is compressed by the passage of the uterus outwards, which allows the fluid present in the lungs to be expelled so that they can inhale air. The newborn's cry is considered his first exhalation, and therefore testifies to his ability to breathe on his own. A vigorous and loud cry indicates that the baby can fill his lungs by himself, and thus oxygenate his organs.

The first major inhalation of oxygen characterized by the baby's cry makes it possible to replace the placental oxygenation system which allowed the fetus to survive in the maternal body. When the umbilical cord is cut, exchanges between the baby and the placenta stop. It is therefore crucial that the infant can obtain oxygen on his own through breathing.

The Apgar score and its importance

To very quickly test the infant's state of health and provide appropriate care if necessary, midwives and gynecologists use the Apgar score. This considers 5 criteria rated from 0 to 2, for a total score of 0 to 10. The criteria are muscle tone, heart rate, facial reactivity to stimuli, skin color and breathing.

The marked cry of a born baby influences the breathing score, since it demonstrates the child's ability to inhale and exhale alone. In the absence of this cry, professionals will consider the need to use a ventilation method, essential if the baby does not breathe during the minute following birth.

The psychological dimension of the baby's cry

For parents, hearing a baby's first cry is often a source of intense joy. It is the fruition of a project lasting several months, and the sound proof that their baby is now very real and alive. The cry of an infant also helps stimulate the production of oxytocin in the father and mother. This hormone, essential for parental attachment, promotes the establishment of breastfeeding.