DEPRIVATION OF OXYGEN DURING LABOR

Deprivation of oxygen, or asphyxia, is a major risk for babies during and after the labor and delivery process. It is said that children, who are born with lack of oxygen can experience long-term effects due to it. Apart from this, if an infant’s brain is getting reduced oxygen, the baby is at higher risk of facing developmental delay or long-term disabilities. If we talk about severe oxygen deprivation, which means there is no oxygen reaching the brain, it can lead to significant disabilities or death.

Deprivation of oxygen during labor is a difficult process for babies. There are several things that determine if a woman had a successful delivery or not. This includes the baby’s breathing levels, position, size, and more.

Causes of deprivation of oxygen during labor and delivery

  • Contractions that are too close together
  • Infection
  • Trauma
  • Fetal distress
  • Excessive medication
  • Prolapsed umbilical cord
  • Placental issues
  • Shoulder dystocia

Injuries caused by deprivation of oxygen during labor

There are several injuries that could occur to an infant or baby during labor and delivery such as:

  • Developmental delays

It is important for a baby to get a continuous and maximum supply of oxygen during delivery process and labor. However, in case the required amount of oxygen is not provided, this may lead to irreversible brain damage as the cells die.

  • Unexpected death

This is the most common issue that an infant experiences and it only happens due to the deprivation of oxygen during labor. When there is not sufficient supply of oxygen to the brain, it gets damaged, resulting in an impaired motor function.

  • Wrongful death

It goes without saying that if a child does not get enough oxygen for a long time, it may result in a wrongful death of the child. Thus, it is essential that the hospital you have chosen for delivery, and the nurses and physicians know when the baby is not getting sufficient amount of oxygen during delivery or labor.