Fetal hypoxia and asphyxia are two medical conditions that refer to a lack of oxygen in a fetus. Both can be dangerous and cause long-term effects, but there are a few key differences between the two.
Fetal Hypoxia
Fetal hypoxia is a medical term used to describe a lack of oxygen supply to the fetus. It occurs when the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen through the placenta. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including placental insufficiency, umbilical cord prolapse, and maternal or fetal infection. Fetal hypoxia can lead to a variety of complications, including stillbirth and birth defects.
Fetal Asphyxia
Fetal asphyxia is a medical term used to refer to a lack of oxygen supply to the fetus. It is caused by a lack of oxygen in the uterus, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including uterine rupture, umbilical cord compression, or prolonged labor. Fetal asphyxia can lead to a variety of complications, including stillbirth and birth defects. It can also lead to long-term neurological problems, such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disability.
Difference
The main difference between fetal hypoxia and asphyxia is the cause of the oxygen deprivation. Fetal hypoxia is caused by a lack of oxygen supply through the placenta, while fetal asphyxia is caused by a lack of oxygen in the uterus. Both can lead to serious complications, but the long-term effects of fetal asphyxia are often more severe.
