What Is Birth Asphyxia?
Asphyxia means lack of oxygen. Birth asphyxia happens when a baby's brain and other organs do not get enough oxygen before, during or right after birth. This can happen without anyone knowing. Without oxygen, cells cannot work properly. Waste products (acids) build up in the cells and cause temporary or permanent damage.
Some causes of birth asphyxia may include:
• Too little oxygen in the mother's blood before or during birth
• Problems with the placenta separating from the uterus too soon
• Very long or difficult delivery
• Problems with the umbilical cord during delivery
• A serious infection in the mother or baby
• High or low blood pressure in the mother
• Baby's airway is not formed properly
• Baby's airway is blocked
• The baby's blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen (anemia)