why do babies cry at birth

Babies cry at birth primarily because their first cry is a crucial physical and physiological response to transitioning from the womb to the outside world. The cry helps the baby take the first breath, expand the lungs, and start breathing air independently instead of receiving oxygen through the placenta. At birth, the baby moves from a warm, dark, and fluid-filled environment to a cooler, brighter, and drier one. The contact with cooler air and the physical help from doctors or midwives triggers the baby's first gasp and cry. This cry expels fluid from the lungs and signals the start of the baby's respiratory and circulatory systems functioning on their own. The crying also increases oxygen levels in the blood and indicates good health and adequate lung function. Additionally, crying is a natural reaction to sensory overload and stress from birth, as well as the baby's initial way of communicating. While most babies cry at birth, some may not if they have underlying health issues or if born in special conditions like water birth, where they remain calm and may breathe quietly without crying immediately. Thus, the first cry is a sign of a healthy transition to independent breathing and oxygen circulation outside the womb. It is reassuring for caregivers that the baby is adapting well to life after birth.