Final answer:
Respiratory depression in newborns can be caused by factors like premature birth resulting in Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), meconium aspiration which leads to respiratory complications, and maternal smoking, which is linked to SIDS and other birth-related risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three risk factors that can lead to respiratory depression (depression) in the newborn include:
- Premature birth, which is linked to Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), where the infant's lungs lack sufficient pulmonary surfactant for proper inflation leading to difficulties in gas exchange.
- Meconium aspiration, where meconium inhaled with the first breath can block airways, strip surfactant from the lungs, and cause inflammation or hypertension, making the newborn susceptible to pulmonary complications like pneumonia.
- Maternal smoking, which is associated with a reduction in blood oxygen levels in the developing baby, potentially leading to premature birth, low birth weight, and increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Recognition and immediate treatment of these conditions are critical to prevent serious health issues or death in newborns.