Question

During vaginal birth, a baby will often enter respiratory acidosis. Why?

Answer 1

Answer-

Fetal acidosis-Fetal acidosis is a medical term that refers to high amounts of acid levels in an unborn baby’s blood. This typically occurs when a child is deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time during or after birth. Specifically, when a child’s oxygen levels are compromised, it can cause his or her blood to become too acidic, or, fall below 7.35 on the pH scale.

Cause of fetal acidosis-

(a)Umbilical cord compression – This typically occurs during labor and results from the positioning of the baby in relation to the umbilical cord. If the cord becomes compromised, whether through compression or being twisted, it can cut off vital nutrients and oxygen to an unborn child, leading to acidosis and other serious complications.

(b) An umbilical cord that is wrapped around a baby’s neck – If the umbilical cord wraps around a child’s neck, whether during pregnancy, labor and/or delivery, it can cut off his or her oxygen supply, resulting in acidosis and other serious complications.

(c) Positioning of the child in the womb – A difficult labor and delivery may result in a child becoming lodged in the birth canal or unable to progress from the womb. This can also lead to acidosis and potential brain damage if medical attention is not immediately sought.

(d) Shoulder dystocia – This is a condition where a child’s shoulders become lodged underneath its mother’s pubic bone, which may cause a delay in delivery due to the obstruction and ultimately, a lack of fetal oxygen/acidosis.

(e) Cephalopelvic disproportion – Also known as CPD, this condition occurs when a child’s head is too large to enter or pass through the birth canal, resulting in potential complications such as acidosis and brain damage.

(f) Macrosomia – This is a condition where a child is overly large, resulting in the potential for him or her to become lodged in the birth canal. Should a vaginal obstruction occur, a child may sustain prolonged periods of little to no oxygen, resulting in acidosis and other life threatening conditions.

(g) Obstructed delivery – This can occur due to a number of factors, including a macrosomia child, an overly tired mother, and prolonged labor. Regardless of the cause, these can all lead to acidosis, brain damage and sometimes death.