Birth Asphyxia

Birth asphyxia is a condition that results from a baby not receiving enough oxygen before, during, or immediately following birth. Birth asphyxia can cause cerebral palsy in some cases because the lack of oxygen to the brain creates brain damage. It is estimated that nine percent of all cerebral palsy cases are a result of birth asphyxia.

The causes of birth asphyxia can be related to the mother, the child, or sometimes the quality of medical attention received during the delivery process. Physicians are trained to look for warning signs of birth asphyxia. When these signs are ignored or missed the unthinkable may occur, resulting in brain damage or even death.