Question
What are the effects of a newborn experiencing a breathing pause for five minutes at birth? A brain imaging test has been conducted, revealing a left brain index of 18, compared to the normal newborn range of 28. What impact does this have?
Answer
If a newborn experiences a breathing pause at birth, it may be due to fetal hypoxia during the delivery process. Causes of hypoxia include placental insufficiency due to conditions such as preeclampsia syndrome, prolonged pregnancy, or issues like umbilical cord entanglement and compression that lead to poor blood flow or obstruction, as well as difficult labor situations. These factors can all lead to fetal hypoxia, and if detected, immediate medical treatment and oxygen supplementation should be sought at the hospital.