What must take place in the lungs prior to the newborn's first breath? A. Blood must be drained from the alveolar capillaries B. The placenta must stay intact C. Pulmonary alveoli must collapse D. Drainage or absorption of amniotic fluid must occur

Answer: Drainage or absorption of amniotic fluid

Explanation: Amniotic fluid act as a cushion to a growing foetus and provides the foetus with nutrients and biochemical products from the mother via the blood vessels of the placenta. When the date of baby delivery grows closer the lungs absorbs some of the fluid. Soon after birth the newborn's first step to independence begins with breathing on its own. They gasp and cry taking in air that fills the lungs. This expels the remaining amniotic fluid that was in the lungs and begins its own independent breathing.