Newborn Brain Society

SFNM NE Series: Perinatal asphyxia from the obstetric standpoint

Practice Points:

  • The rates of birth asphyxia are the lowest in developed countries.
  • Access to prenatal care and the social determinants of health are the most important factors related to birth asphyxia.
  • The pregnancy-related risk factors for birth asphyxia are common and generally not informative as to which foetuses are likely to be affected at birth.
  • Cardiotocography, ultrasound and other fetal monitoring methods poorly predict birth asphyxia.
  • There is some evidence that continuous training of all staff involved in the care of women (such as standardized CTG interpretation, skills drills, simulation and communication exercises) improves outcomes. Part of this effect may relate to birth asphyxia.
  • Reducing overall morbidity and mortality appears to be the best approach to preventing birth asphyxia.

PubMed Link

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