Overview
Birth asphyxia happens when a baby does not get enough oxygen around the time of birth. Prompt resuscitation and neonatal care can reduce the risk of lasting harm.
Signs
- Weak or absent breathing and crying at birth
- Low heart rate and poor muscle tone
- Pale or blue skin
- Seizures or poor feeding in the following days
Causes and risk factors
Causes include problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, prolonged or difficult labour, maternal bleeding, infection, very low blood pressure in the mother and premature birth.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the baby's condition at birth, Apgar scores, blood gas tests and, later, brain monitoring and imaging.
Treatment
Treatment starts with immediate resuscitation. Babies may need breathing support and care in the neonatal unit. Therapeutic cooling within the first hours can protect the brain in eligible babies.
When to see a doctor
Good antenatal care and delivery in a hospital with a neonatal team reduce the risk. Babies who had asphyxia need regular developmental follow-up.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
