Cardiovascular Responses to Postural Changes in the Neonate

The responses of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, forearm blood flow, and respiratory rate to passive tilting have been studied in mature infants. Cardiovascular responses to postural change were comparable to those of the adult and were present from birth. These findings support the view that well-developed circulatory reflexes are present from birth. Respiratory rate tended to slow on tilting, which is different from the adult response.