Birth asphyxia or hypoxia happens when a baby does not receive a proper supply of oxygen either before, during, or after birth.  Many babies often encounter a small reduction in the oxygen flow to the brain which causes a small level of hypoxia, or birth depression, but the uterus will provide a reserve supply of oxygen through the placenta.

Most babies who experience birth asphyxia are able to be treated with stimulation once they are born and will usually not suffer any major or permanent brain injuries; however, sometimes they will.   The extent of damage to the brain will depend on a variety of factors including how much oxygen has been restricted from the brain, how long of a period the infant is deprived of oxygen, and how promptly the medical staff is able to provide treatment once the problem has been detected.  If the oxygen flow was restricted for a short period of time, with prompt and proper treatment, the baby should fully recover.  If the oxygen supply was severely restricted and for a longer period of time, this can result in permanent and severe damage to the baby’s brain, lungs, kidneys, heart, and other vital organs.

Birth asphyxia or hypoxia may be the result of the following conditions:

  • A restricted supply of oxygen or blood flow to the brain of the baby before or during birth
  • If the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely
  • If the umbilical cord chokes the baby or restricts the oxygen supply
  • If there is a prolonged or difficult delivery
  • If the mother has either too high or too low blood pressure
  • Serious infections
  • If the infants airway is blocked
Medical professionals can be alerted by emergencies such as these with the help of the fetal heart rate monitor.  The fetal heart rate monitor measures the baby’s heart rate during labor.  If a medical emergency arises that restricts the baby’s supply of blood or oxygen, the fetal heart rate monitor will alert the medical staff so they can take immediate action to prevent permanent damage to the baby.  Sometimes medical staff are negligent in monitoring the fetal heart rate monitor and may ignore the warning signs.  This negligence can cause the baby to be permanently impacted by birth injuries or even die.

If the infant is experiencing birth asphyxia and medical treatment is not resolving the problem, an emergency cesarean section may need to be performed immediately. Most hospitals can perform a C-section within 30 minutes from a doctor’s notification; however, if the infant is suffering from severe hypoxia or asphyxia, permanent brain damage can occur within 17 minutes.  If your child suffered a birth injury from medical malpractice, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit.  Contact Dr. Bruce Fagel right away for a free consultation at (800) 541-9376.

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