Daily Trust

] Causes of birth asphyxia

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Ineed some useful informatio­n about birth asphyxia and why children suffer such problems. My baby experience­d that.

Fatima K

Birth asphyxia, also called asphyxia neonatorum, is the inability of an infant to establish regular respiratio­n following birth. The condition results from an inadequate supply of oxygen to an infant while in the womb or during the delivery process. Birth asphyxia is considered a medical emergency and immediate steps must be taken to establish respiratio­n. Prompt treatment is essential to preventing longterm damage and fatality.

While in the womb, the foetus’ first stool that is passed, known as meconium, can block the foetus airways, impeding the foetus’ ability to breathe. A compressio­n of the umbilical cord can result in restricted blood flow which interferes with the foetus’ ability to breathe properly. Placental abruption occurs when there is a premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which may lead to asphyxia. The mother’s condition prior to and during delivery also directly impacts the welfare of the foetus.

A mother who has high blood pressure during pregnancy may experience poor placenta function, which can hinder proper oxygen production and reduce oxygen to the foetus.

When an infant is born with low oxygen levels, he or she may have low blood pressure and increase heart rate. Decreased oxygen levels not only threaten the infant’s ability to breathe independen­tly, but may impact organ functional­ity. An infant born with low blood pressure, low blood cell count, or severe anemia may experience difficulty with independen­t respiratio­n.

When a newborn exhibits signs of asphyxia following delivery, he/she will require urgent attention.

am a worried mother because the only child that I delivered is confirmed to have hernia in his scrotum. What are the causes?

Billy H

A hernia occurs when a section the intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred.

In children, a hernia usually occurs in one of two places:

1. around the belly-button (Umbilical hernia )

2. in the groin (Inquinal hernia)

A hernia can develop in the first few months after the baby is born because of a weakness in the muscles of the abdomen. As a male foetus grows and matures during pregnancy, the testicles develop in the abdomen and then move down into the scrotum through an area called the

area inguinal canal. Shortly after the baby is born, the inguinal canal closes, preventing the testicles from moving back into the abdomen. If this area does not close off completely, a loop of intestine can move into the inguinal canal through the weakened area of the lower abdominal wall, causing a hernia.

Risk factors:

1. a parent or sibling who had a hernia as an infant 2. cystic fibrosis 3. developmen­tal dysplasia of the hip 4. undescende­d testes 5. abnormalit­ies of the urethra 6. Inguinal hernias occur: 7. In about one to three percent of all children.

8. More often premature infants.

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What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Hernias usually occur in newborns, but may not be noticeable for several weeks or months after birth.

Straining and crying do not cause hernias; however, the increased pressure in the abdomen can make a hernia more noticeable. Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum. The swelling may be more noticeable when the baby cries, and may get smaller or go away when the baby relaxes.

If the hernia is not reducible, then the loop of intestine may be caught in the weakened area of abdominal muscle. Symptoms that may be seen when this happens include the following: 1. a full, round abdomen 2. vomiting 3. pain or fussiness 4. redness discolorat­ion

5. fever.

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