Understanding Oxygen Deprivation at Birth
Oxygen deprivation at birth, medically termed birth asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), occurs when a newborn’s brain and organs do not receive adequate oxygen and blood flow during labor, delivery, or immediately after birth. This medical emergency affects approximately 2 to 10 out of every 1,000 full-term births in the United States, with higher rates among premature infants.
The consequences can be devastating. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, birth asphyxia accounts for more than 30% of neonatal deaths, and approximately 25% of survivors face permanent neurological deficits including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, seizures, and learning disabilities.
