What Is Birth Asphyxia?
Birth asphyxia, also called asphyxia neonatorum, is the inability of an infant to establish regular respiration following birth. The condition results from an inadequate supply of oxygen to an infant while in the womb or during the delivery process. Birth asphyxia is considered a medical emergency and immediate steps must be taken to establish respiration. Prompt treatment is essential to preventing long-term damage and fatality.
Asphyxia neonatorum can be caused by several factors that may occur in utero and during the delivery process. The mother's health during pregnancy and delivery directly impacts the overall health of the fetus. Physiological factors inside the womb may also contribute to the development of birth asphyxia. Once the child is born, the risk of asphyxia does not diminish until regular respiration is established.
While in the womb, the fetus’ first stool that is passed, known as meconium, can block the fetus’ airways, impeding the fetus' ability to breathe. A compression of the umbilical cord can result in restricted blood flow which interferes with the fetus’ ability to breathe properly. Placental abruption occurs when there is a premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which may lead to asphyxia. The mother's condition prior to and during delivery also directly impacts the welfare of the fetus.
A mother who has high blood pressure during pregnancy may experience poor placenta function, which can hinder proper oxygen production. If the mother is experiencing anesthesia-induced respiratory issues during delivery, she may have insufficient oxygen in her blood that directly impacts the fetus’ oxygen levels. Instances where the mother has low blood pressure during the delivery process may also result in a reduction of oxygen to the fetus.
When an infant is born with low oxygen levels, he or she may have low blood pressure and heart rate. Decreased oxygen levels not only threaten the infant’s ability to breathe independently, but may impact organ functionality. Lowered oxygen levels limit blood flow to organs and tissues, which can hinder proper cell function. Organs commonly affected by lowered oxygen levels include the brain, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
An infant born with low blood pressure, low blood cell count, or severe anemia may experience difficulty with independent respiration. If an infant is in shock following delivery, his or her body may have low oxygen levels impeding regular respiration. A child born with lung or heart complications may have an increased risk of experiencing symptoms associated with birth asphyxia.
Each infant experiences asphyxia-related symptoms differently. Prior to delivery, a fetus may have highly acidic blood or an abnormal heart rate. Following birth, an infant with a low heart rate and shallow or weak breathing may be oxygen-deprived. If the infant has a bluish skin color, also known as cyanosis, or poor reflexes, it is likely due to birth asphyxia. A diagnosis of asphyxia is confirmed by the administration of basic tests which observe the infant's heartbeat, color, respiration, and reflexes.
Birth asphyxia is considered a medical emergency. If the placenta is found to be delivering inadequate oxygen, an emergency delivery will be conducted with either induced labor and forceps or Cesarean section. When a newborn exhibits signs of asphyxia following delivery, the attending physician will check the infant’s airways for any obstruction. If no obstruction is found, assisted ventilation will be administered with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) which takes over the infant's lung function. An infant’s prognosis is dependent on how long he or she was deprived of oxygen.
Written by J.M. Willhite
