Subtitle: Resuscitating Babies at Birth
Babies may need to be resuscitated at birth due to a variety of reasons, such as oxygen deprivation during the labor and delivery process. Resuscitation is the process of restoring a baby’s breathing and heart rate. It is done immediately after birth if a baby is not breathing or does not have a strong heartbeat. In the United States, an estimated 0.5% to 1.5% of babies require resuscitation at birth.
Oxygen Deprivation
Oxygen deprivation is one of the most common reasons why babies need to be resuscitated. During labor and delivery, a baby may not receive enough oxygen due to a variety of conditions, such as umbilical cord compression or a prolapsed cord. When this occurs, the baby may not be able to breathe on its own and may require resuscitation.
Resuscitation Process
The resuscitation process begins with assessing the baby’s breathing and heart rate. If the baby is not breathing or has a weak heart rate, a healthcare provider will begin resuscitation. This typically involves providing the baby with oxygen via a mask or tube, and stimulating the baby’s chest with a device called a bag-mask. If these steps are unsuccessful, the healthcare provider may need to perform chest compressions or medication to restore the baby’s breathing and heart rate.
Follow-Up Care
Babies who require resuscitation are usually monitored closely in the hours and days after birth. They may need to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for further evaluation and treatment. In some cases, babies may experience long-term complications from the oxygen deprivation, such as hearing or vision loss.
Resuscitating babies at birth is an important part of the labor and delivery process. Fortunately, most babies only require minimal resuscitation and make a full recovery. However, it is important for healthcare providers to be prepared to provide resuscitation if needed.
