Question
How should one respond if a newborn shows signs of asphyxia after birth?
Answer
Neonatal asphyxia is a common emergency situation that may be caused by various reasons during prenatal, intrapartum, or postpartum periods, leading to fetal hypoxia and subsequently causing intrauterine distress or respiratory and circulatory disorders during the birthing process. This condition is characterized by the absence of spontaneous breathing or the failure to establish regular breathing within one minute after birth, accompanied by pathophysiological changes such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. Severe asphyxia is one of the main causes of neonatal injury and mortality. Therefore, immediate active rescue and proper management are essential once neonatal asphyxia is detected, in order to reduce neonatal mortality and prevent potential future sequelae.