Neonatal Birth Asphyxia
Birth asphyxia refers to when a baby does not recieve enough oxygen at birth, and/or the time immediately before or after delivery. Birth asphyxia can be very serious, so immediate treatment is usually necessary.
The causes of asphyxia at birth can include the following:
Before and during birth
- Low levels of oxygen in the mother’s blood due to heart or respiratory issues, or slower breathing from maternal medication at delivery.
- Decreased bloodflow due to compression of the umbilical cord.
- Poor placenta function that is associated with post 42 weeks gestation and high blood pressure.
- Low blood pressure in the mother
- Placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely.
After Birth
- A low blood cell count (anemia), that restricts the amount of oxygen blood can carry.
- Respiratory distress complications that limit the amount of oxygen taken.
- Heart or lung disease
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
Symptoms
Symptoms for asphyxia can include the following before birth: an abnormal heart rate, or incresed acid in the baby’s blood.
Symptoms afterwards can include the following:
- Low heart rate
- Small, or weak crying
- Difficulty breathing, gasping for breath
- Meconium aspiration
- Blue or gray skin color
Birth Asphyxia Treatment
Because asphyxia at birth is a lack of oxygen for the infant, treatment is critical. A lack of oxygen can lead to organ failure, including the brain. A brain without oxygen over an extended period of time is very dangerous, possibly even leading to death.
Therefore, immediate action is required for the baby, to reduce the damaging effects of birth asphyxia. This can mean an emergency c-section, as well as increasing the oxygen intake of the mother before birth.
Afterwards, respiratory machines, such as ventilators, may be used, as well as medications to help with the infant’s respirations and oxygen management.
In more critical cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used.
