Pregnancy and childbirth is, in theory, an extraordinary and beautiful time. In practice it is sometimes different, which is why today I am addressing a difficult but important topic: perinatal hypoxia.
Fetal anoxia (hypoxia, colloquially: birth asphyxia) is one of the most serious risks during pregnancy or childbirth. It can lead to damage to the baby's nervous system and consequently affect its development.
What exactly is hypoxia?
Often after giving birth you hear about "hypoxia" or see this information in the hospital records - without a clear explanation. Questions arise: is everything okay, what to expect, do you need to be afraid?
Hypoxia is a state of lack of or insufficient oxygen in the blood or tissues of the body. In pregnancy and during childbirth, it is a situation that in extreme cases can even lead to the death of the baby.
How do we know if a baby has suffered hypoxia?
The diagnosis of intrauterine oxygen deficiency is based on, among other things:
- child's blood gasometry,
- KTG recording,
- capillary blood test.
Why does hypoxia occur?
There can be many causes - they are related to the mother's and baby's organism and the course of the birth. A distinction is also made between factors that are dependent on and independent of the medical personnel.
Factors dependent on the doctor or midwife
- Induction or continuation of natural childbirth despite contraindications
- Absence or inadequacy of KTG examination
- Misinterpretation of the KTG recording
- Errors in the selection or administration of contraction-inducing agents
- Incorrectly performed operative delivery (forceps, vacuum)
- No decision on necessary caesarean section and continuation of natural childbirth
- Too late decision on caesarean section
Factors beyond the control of the doctor or midwife
- Gestational diabetes
- Respiratory disorders in the mother
- Hypertension or other cardiovascular disease in the mother
- Fetal anaemia
- Abnormal uterine contractile function
- Fetal malformations
- Premature detachment of the placenta
- Abnormal fetal position (e.g. buttock or transverse)
- Premature discharge of amniotic fluid
- Intrauterine infection
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Fetal oedema
- Wrapping the umbilical cord around the baby's neck
- Use of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy
Signs of hypoxia in a baby - if and when do they appear?
Above all do not have to appear. Even if short-term hypoxia has occurred, the child may not show deviations from developmental norms. The infant brain is highly plastic and adaptable.
Symptoms of hypoxia in the child, if they occur, do not always reveal themselves immediately after the birth. Sometimes they only appear during the screening diagnosis of the newborn. It is also sometimes the case that the effects of hypoxia become apparent after several months of life, and sometimes even after a year or two.
Babies born in asphyxia can be - to varying degrees - mentally retarded. They may have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, movement disorders, learning difficulties and concentration problems.
Non-neurological consequences may also occur, including: renal failure, circulatory problems, necrotising enterocolitis or metabolic disorders.
Developmental disorders in children - what next?
Hypoxia at birth poses a serious risk to the baby and can have long-term health and developmental consequences. Early diagnosis, appropriate medical care and physiotherapy are key to minimising the risks and consequences of hypoxia.
The key is: careful observation, knowledge of developmental norms and a quick reaction if anything, dear parents, is worrying. Even if deviations in psychomotor, cognitive or communicative development are found - the child's appropriate therapy often yields very good results.
If you have doubts about whether your child is developing properly, see a specialist such as a paediatrician, paediatric neurologist or paediatric physiotherapist.
Don't be afraid to ask and seek help - the welfare of your children is in your hands.
Photo source: Freepik.com
Anna Bernaś
Paediatric physiotherapist
