The lack of oxygen at birth can have devastating effects on the fetus that usually only manifest as the child grows older and reaches childhood. Swift medical intervention is necessary to combat the long-term effects of this condition.
Causes And Symptoms Of Lack Of Oxygen At Birth
Lack Of Oxygen At Birth Causes
- The umbilical cord becomes compressed or twisted during a mother’s labor, which can be due to the position of the cord in relation to the baby inside the womb.
- Nutrients and oxygen are channeled through the umbilical cord, thus if it is twisted, the baby can become oxygen-deprived.
- Infant distress is usually caused by the twisting or compression of the umbilical cord.
- The umbilical cord wounds around the baby’s neck, choking the baby as it moves down the birth canal.
- The baby gets lodged in the birth canal for an extended period of time, causing oxygen deprivation.
Symptoms Of Lack Of Oxygen At Birth
- Immediately after birth, the infant will have a low Apgar score.
- An infant that experiences seizure within the first 48 hours after birth might have been deprived of oxygen at birth.
- The infant will have weak latching ability and tend to have difficulty swallowing milk.
- The infant cannot be easily woken up from sleep.
- The umbilical cord registers a low pH, indicative of too much acid caused by oxygen deprivation.
Long Term Effects Of Lack Of Oxygen At Birth
- The child or adult deprived of oxygen during birth will usually find learning complex tasks a challenge.
- Speech deficiencies and disabilities
- Delayed development or complete absence of motor skills
- Behavioral problems
- Difficulties in focusing or concentrating
- Challenges and issues in learning
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Other cerebral or neurological disorders can be attributed to oxygen deprivation at birth.