BIRTH ASPHYXIA Signs and Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of birth asphyxia. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Before delivery, symptoms may include:

At birth, symptoms may include:

Abnormal heart rate or rhythm An increased acid level in a baby's blood

Bluish or pale skin color Low heart rate Weak muscle tone and reflexes Weak cry Gasping or weak breathing Meconium -- the first stool passed by the baby, in the amniotic fluid -- can block small airways and prevent a baby from breathing properly, causing respiratory distress

Diagnosis
The following are used to diagnose birth asphyxia:

the umbilical cord

Severe acid levels -- pH less that 7.00 -- in the arterial blood of Apgar score of 0 to 3 for longer than five minutes. The Apgar test is used just after birth to evaluate a newborn's color, heartbeat, reflexes, muscle tone and respiration. Neurological problems, such as seizures, coma and poor muscle tone.

Respiratory distress, low blood pressure, or other signs of low blood flow to the kidneys or intestines. Problems with a baby's circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems may also suggest that a baby has birth asphyxia

Treatment
Birth asphyxia is a complex condition that can be difficult to predict or prevent. Prompt treatment is important to minimize the damaging effects of decreased oxygen to the baby. Specific treatment for birth asphyxia is based on:

therapies

Your baby's age, overall health and medical history Severity of your baby's condition Your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or Expectations for the course of the condition

Treatment may include:

breathing and blood pressure

Giving the mother extra amounts of oxygen before delivery Emergency delivery or Caesarean section Assisted ventilation and medications to support your baby's Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

In addition, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine may be used for patients who are experiencing serious heart or lung failure. It delivers oxygen to your baby's brain and body as temporary support. ECMO is a technique similar to a heart-lung bypass machine, which assists your baby's heart and lung functions with an external pump and oxygenator. Blood is drained from the patient to an artificial lung where oxygen is added and carbon dioxide is removed and then the blood is pumped back into your child.