What is the target oxygen saturation for a newborn at one minute after birth?

The target oxygen saturation for a newborn at one minute after birth is typically between 60% and 65%. This range reflects the physiological transition from fetal to neonatal life, where the newborn's circulatory and respiratory systems are adjusting to life outside the womb.

During the first minute after birth, it is normal for a newborn to have lower oxygen saturations as they begin to establish effective breathing and blood circulation. As the lungs expand and functional residual capacity increases, we would expect to see a gradual rise in oxygen saturation levels. Typically, these levels will increase significantly during the next several minutes as the newborn continues to adapt, ultimately reaching the higher target saturations in the following hours.

In contrast, the other ranges provided do not accurately represent what is expected at this immediate post-birth period. Higher saturation targets would not be appropriate for such an early timeframe as the newborn's body has not yet fully transitioned to effective breathing and oxygenation. This understanding is critical for ensuring appropriate monitoring and support for newborns immediately after they enter the world.