What is the expected oxygen saturation of a newborn at 10 minutes after birth?

The expected oxygen saturation of a newborn at 10 minutes after birth is typically in the range of 85% to 95%. This value reflects the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, where the newborn's lungs become fully inflated and effective gas exchange begins.

During the first few minutes after birth, it is common for oxygen saturation levels to gradually rise as the baby begins breathing air and the blood flow through the pulmonary circuits increases. By around the 10-minute mark, a healthy newborn, especially those who are low-risk, should show adequate oxygenation, indicating that respiration is functioning properly and the infant is successfully adapting to life outside the womb.

The range of 85% to 95% acknowledges that individual variations can exist, but those are generally considered healthy saturation levels in the early transitional phase. Thus, this range is vital for assessing the respiratory status and ensuring timely intervention if levels fall below this expected outcome.