Hi

I was in an emergency situation where the baby cried when it was born but then stopped breathing. Hypoxic comes to my head. Is that what I would say or can I say not breathing.

Please let me know

Becky

Respiratory arrest?

Hypoxia denotes lack of oxygenation for tissue demands, so FH increases to increase cardiac output to main organs, anaerobic metabolism ensues etc.

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Thank you very much

There are lots of people here who have much more knowledge than I (not difficult) don't know if diagnosis had anything to do with the transition from fetal to neonatal circulation? a failure of one of the vessels closing off?

Just a thought.

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I believe this is termed "secondary apnoea".

Primary apnoea is physiological (ie normal). - Not all babies cry immediately they are born and may take a few seconds to take their first gasp. This is fine.

Secondary apnoea, as you describe, is more concerning and needs intervention.

This said, as midwives we are taught to treat apnoea following birth as "secondary apnoea" and therefore act upon it. - I think this is quite controversial. If all has been well with mum and baby (eg term baby, no Meconium) shouldn't we be giving the baby a few moments to establish respirations before intervening?

You can read a bit about it here.

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Great link Shoshana thanks!

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J
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