Final answer:
Babies born at or greater than 35 weeks gestation may need supplemental oxygen if their lungs are not fully developed. Interventions such as PPV, nasal CPAP, and pulmonary surfactant can assist in their breathing until lung maturity is reached. The exact level of support depends on the baby's respiratory development at birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supplemental oxygen management for babies. A baby born at or greater than 35 weeks gestation may require supplemental oxygen due to their respiratory system not being fully mature. While major growth and maturation of the respiratory system occurs between weeks 24 and term, the lungs may not yet be fully prepared for efficient gas exchange outside the womb. Babies born prematurely might lack sufficient alveoli and pulmonary surfactant needed for effective lung compliance, making it necessary to provide support. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and interventions like nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), administration of pulmonary surfactant, and possibly mechanical ventilation are utilized to assist the newborn in maintaining adequate oxygen levels until their respiratory system matures.
Such medical interventions are crucial because immature lungs can lead to conditions such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), where the baby has difficulty breathing on its own. Therefore, medical advances allow for the delivery of pulmonary surfactant therapy and mechanical breathing support to significantly improve survival and health outcomes in premature infants. For babies born at more developed stages, such as 35 weeks of gestation, the level of intervention needed might be less extensive compared to those born at earlier gestational ages.