Hypoxia, in a general sense, is suffocation due to a lack of oxygen in the blood and accumulation of carbon dioxide in the tissues. Hypoxia or oxygen starvation of a newborn is characterized by a lack of breath, or its insufficiency when it comes to light, while the heartbeat is tapped. Sometimes hypoxia begins to develop in the womb.
Signs of hypoxia in newborns
The presence of hypoxia in newborns is indicated by various symptoms, such as: cyanosis of the skin, rapid heart rate (with a heart beat rate of 160 beats per minute or more), followed by an inadequate frequency (less than 100 cuts per minute). There are noises and various deaf heart tones.
The initial stage of hypoxia of the fetus is characterized by the same signs, in addition, in most cases it can be detected due to the appearance of meconium in the amniotic fluid, for which the fetal bladder is highlighted in a special way. With the allocation of meconium, the water acquires a dark, greenish hue.
It is also worth noting the fact that in the initial stages of hypoxia the fetus becomes more mobile, and with further development of the disease, on the contrary it freezes.
The causes of hypoxia in newborns can be:
- various diseases of the mother, such as: heart disease, lung disease, infection of the reproductive system;
- pathological development of pregnancy and childbirth (pelvic presentation, accusation, prolonged or rapid delivery;
- disorders of fetus development, namely Rh-conflict, genetic abnormalities, intracranial trauma;
- overlapping of the respiratory tract.
Treatment of hypoxia in newborns
If doctors suspect the development of hypoxia, then they take measures to promptly deliver. The newborn is resuscitated and placed in an oxygen chamber. If necessary, drugs are introduced to minimize manifestations of hypoxia. The real threat to the life of health are cases of severe oxygen deficiency of the brain. In this case, the baby is prevented from entering the hyperbaric chamber, and measures are taken to restore blood flow.
Residual effects can persist for about a month. The child has a lag in psychophysical development and minor sleep disorders. During this period, the baby needs to be monitored by a pediatrician. To eliminate the consequences of oxygen deficiency, a child must undergo a course of rehabilitation. He, as a rule, is prescribed therapeutic massage and exercises for certain muscle groups. Medications are used with increased intracranial pressure and excitability.
Hypoxia in newborns - consequences
Consequences can be different, ranging from minor inhibition of reflexes, ending with a sufficiently deep disruption of the lungs, heart, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, brain. And as a consequence, disability of the baby, its lag in development.
To prevent hypoxia of the brain in a newborn it is necessary:
- the full duration of pregnancy is observed in the women's consultation;
- to prevent toxicity;
- in time to undergo the designated ultrasound (to identify the accusation);
- prevent the development of infectious diseases;
- to take tests for the control of hemoglobin in the blood of a pregnant woman;
- to entrust the management of births to qualified specialists (they will be able to decide whether to accelerate childbirth or to carry out resuscitation in a timely manner).
But, despite all the above, remember that any diagnosis is not a sentence, even such as, hypoxia in newborns. Do not take to heart the terrible forecasts of doctors, because they have the property not to come true. And patience, caress, caring and maternal love will help you better than any medication.