Birth Asphyxia

Asphyxia is the term used when there is a lack of lack of oxygen and blood to the brain and body.

Causes

• Maternal hypoxia

• Placental abruption

• Prolonged delivery

• Umbilical cord – Wrapped around baby’s neck or is compressed e.g. in cord prolapse

• High/low BP in mother

• Baby’s airway blocked or not formed properly

  
  

Presentation

• Tachypnoea

• Tachycardia

• Cyanosis

• Poor muscle tone

• Meconium-stained liquor – Sign that baby opened bowels in uterus during labour, which suggests foetal distress

• Seizure

Management

• Therapeutic hypothermia - Cooling the baby can improve outcome for full-term/near-term babies