Janelle Gardiner explains birth asphyxia and how it impacts infant mortality
According to the WHO, “The first month of life is the most vulnerable period for child survival, with 2.4 million newborns dying in 2020. They have found preterm birth, intrapartum-related complications (birth asphyxia or inability to breathe at birth), infections, and birth defects [to be] the leading causes of most neonatal deaths” (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Neonatal Rescue focuses on reducing infant mortality caused by birth asphyxia.
Birth asphyxia is a lack of blood flow during the birthing process – immediately before, during, or after birth (Gillam-Krakauer & Gowen, 2017). This lack of blood flow means the body is not able to remove carbon dioxide effectively, and the ability to get oxygen into the blood is hampered. This causes the vital organs to get little to no oxygen. In severe cases, this leads to problems with the function of the heart, liver, muscles, and brain.
In developed countries, the asphyxia described above occurs two per 1000 births (Gillam-Krakauer & Gowen, 2017). In developing countries, areas with limited access to maternal and neonatal care, the incidence of birth asphyxia may be up to 10 times higher. Between 15-20% of infants affected by birth asphyxia die as neonates, and as many as 25% of survivors have permanent neurologic issues.
Birth asphyxia is a lack of blood flow during the birthing process – immediately before, during, or after birth (Gillam-Krakauer & Gowen, 2017). This lack of blood flow means the body is not able to remove carbon dioxide effectively, and the ability to get oxygen into the blood is hampered. This causes the vital organs to get little to no oxygen. In severe cases, this leads to problems with the function of the heart, liver, muscles, and brain.
In developed countries, the asphyxia described above occurs two per 1000 births (Gillam-Krakauer & Gowen, 2017). In developing countries, areas with limited access to maternal and neonatal care, the incidence of birth asphyxia may be up to 10 times higher. Between 15-20% of infants affected by birth asphyxia die as neonates, and as many as 25% of survivors have permanent neurologic issues.
Are you interested in helping us with our mission to reduce infant mortality caused by birth asphyxia? Email shoen@neonatalrescue.org to find out how you can help!
Reference
Gillam-Krakauer, M., Gowen Jr., C. W. (2017). Birth asphyxia. StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island, FL. Retrieved from https://europepmc.org/article/nbk/nbk430782#free-full-text
World Health Organization. (2022). Newborn mortality. World Health Organization, Retrieved September 26, 2022, Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortality-report-2021
