Final answer:
Factors stimulate newborns to take their first breath at birth, and interruptions in placental function or neonatal respiration can lead to respiratory distress in the newborn.
Step-by-step explanation:
During gestation, the fetus does not have the need to breathe because the placenta supplies it with oxygenated blood. However, several factors stimulate newborns to take their first breath at birth. Labor contractions temporarily reduce oxygenated blood flow to the fetus and elevate carbon dioxide levels, which stimulate the respiratory center in the brain. This triggers the newborn to take a breath. If there is an interruption in either placental function or neonatal respiration, it can lead to a lack of oxygen and respiratory distress in the newborn.