If the baby does not cry, has bluish skin color, and has difficulty breathing after birth, then it is possible that he has asphyxia. If not treated quickly, asphyxia can damage the brain baby, or even take his life.
Asphyxia in newborns is also known as perinatal or neonatal asphyxia. This condition occurs when the baby is deprived of oxygen before, during, and after delivery. Without adequate oxygen intake, the baby's tissues and organs will be damaged. Babies who have asphyxia can experience cyanosis or a condition when the nails, blue, and lips look bluish
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Asphyxia in Newborns?
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, asphyxia in newborns is also characterized by a slow heart rate, weak muscles and reflexes, seizures, very high levels of acid in the blood (acidosis), and amniotic fluid that turns green in color.
This condition requires immediate medical attention, because the longer the baby does not get enough oxygen, the greater the risk of damage to organs, such as the lungs, heart, brain, and kidneys.
Some of the causes of asphyxia in infants are:
- Disorders of the placenta, such as the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before the baby is born (placental abruption).
- The mother's blood pressure is too high or too low during pregnancy.
- The delivery process is too long.
- The fetus suffers from anemia or respiratory problems while in the womb.
- Infection, both in mother and fetus.
How is Asphyxia Treated?
Babies born with asphyxia are likely to have an Apgar score below 3. If asphyxia is detected while the baby is still in the womb, the obstetrician will most likely recommend immediate delivery by caesarean section, so that the baby's life can be saved.
After birth, the treatment of asphyxia in the baby will be adjusted according to the severity until he can breathe on his own well. Treatments that can be given by pediatricians include:
- Use of breathing apparatus to circulate air into the baby's lungs. Some babies may need extra gas nitric oxide through a breathing tube.
- Giving drugs to control blood pressure and relieve seizures when they occur.
It is important for mothers to routinely undergo pregnancy check-ups with ultrasound so that the health condition of the little one can be monitored properly. In addition, to avoid asphyxia in babies, obey the doctor's advice, take prenatal vitamins as recommended by the doctor, and consume nutritious food during pregnancy, right.