Hypoxia, birth asphyxia, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are all terms for a lack of oxygen to a baby before, during, or following birth. Lack of oxygen can cause serious birth injuries. Fortunately, birth injuries can often be prevented if medical professionals follow the standard of care by watching for the first signs of hypoxia.

This information was compiled from government sources, educational non-profits, and medical experts.

To learn more about the first signs of hypoxia in newborns, keep reading.

Four Types of Hypoxia

There are four types of fetal hypoxia

Acute Hypoxia

Subacute Hypoxia

Evolving Hypoxia

Chronic Hypoxia

The types of hypoxia describe the severity and duration of the condition.

Common Signs of Hypoxia in Newborns

Because hypoxia can lead to serious and permanent birth injuries, medical professionals should always be watchful for the signs of lack of adequate oxygen to the baby. This includes watching for the signs before, during, and after the child is born.

Three common signs of hypoxia include

An erratic heart rate

A decreased heart rate

A lack of fetal movement

Medical professionals can observe the baby’s heart rate in the womb using a fetal heart monitor.

Fetal Heart Monitoring

There are two ways to do fetal heart monitoring: internally and externally.

External monitoring can be done using a Doppler ultrasound device. For continuous monitoring, the medical professional can attach an ultrasound probe called a transducer to the mother’s belly. This probe sends the sounds of the baby’s heart to a computer, where the rate and pattern are shown on a screen or printed on a paper.

Internal monitoring can be done by affixing a thin wire (an electrode) to the baby’s scalp. The wire runs from the baby, through the mother’s cervix, and then to a monitor. This method gives better readings than external monitoring, but can only be used after the amniotic sac has broken and the cervix is open.

Whether internally or externally measured, a baby’s heart rate provides medical professionals with valuable information about whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen. An abnormal heart beat should be attentively monitored and treatment options should be evaluated. Medical professionals may order an emergency c-section if the baby is at risk of injury due to hypoxia.

Common Factors that Cause Hypoxia

There are many reasons why a baby may not be receiving enough oxygen before, during, or following birth. Common factors can include:

Placental abruption

Uterine rupture

Compression of the umbilical cord

Umbilical cord knots

Prolapse of the umbilical cord

Mother’s low blood pressure

Mother’s low oxygen levels

And more…

Common Signs of Hypoxia at Birth Include

Common signs of hypoxia after birth may include

Blueish or pale skin tone

Low heart rate

Poor / weak muscle tone

Poor reflexes

Weak / no cry

Difficulty breathing

Summary: the first sign of hypoxia is often an irregular heart beat: an erratic beat, or decelerations of the heart may be a sign of oxygen deprivation. Lack of movement may also be a sign of hypoxia. Medical professionals should always carefully monitor potential signs of hypoxia because a lack of oxygen can cause serious and permanent birth injuries, including HIE and Cerebral Palsy.