Childbirth and asphyxiation
Birthing can result in asphyxiation. This is referred to as prenatal asphyxia or birth asphyxia.
Insufficient blood or oxygen flow to the fetus causes birth asphyxia. This may occur just prior to, during, or following childbirth. The majority of cases take place during childbirth.
Potential reasons include:
- oxygen deficiency in the mother’s blood
- obstructed breathing in the mother as a result of anesthesia [4], fever, or low blood pressure in the mother.
- inadequate placental performance
- Uterine rupture and placental abruption
There are various signs of birth asphyxia. The baby may experience an irregular heart rhythm or their blood may have high levels of acid before birth.
A newborn with birth asphyxia may experience:
- bluish or pale skin
- minimal heartbeat
- shaky reactions
- weak cry or breathing
Birth asphyxia may result in issues with the infant’s:
- cell activity
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Brain