Birth Asphyxia

Birth Asphyxia

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of birth asphyxia. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently.

Before delivery, symptoms may include:

• Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
• An increased acid level in a baby's blood

At birth, symptoms may include:

• Bluish or pale skin color
• Low heart rate
• Weak muscle tone and reflexes
• Weak cry
• Gasping or weak breathing
• Meconium -- the first stool passed by the baby, in the amniotic fluid -- can block small airways and prevent a baby from breathing properly, causing respiratory distress

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007