Table 7.3 summarises what you should do in the first 5 seconds after the baby is born if the signs of asphyxia are present. After you have seen this overview, we will look at the specific actions in detail.

Table 7.3 Actions in response to signs of neonatal asphyxia.

What is the newborn doing?AssessmentAction
Crying and moving limbs Probably a healthy baby Resuscitation not needed
Weak breathing, not moving limbs, moderate cyanosis Probably moderately asphyxiated Assist breathing by on and off ventilation (as described in Section 7.4.8)
Not crying, breathing or gasping; not moving limbs/floppy; may be cyanosed or meconium stained Probably severely asphyxiated

Estimate heart rate

Call an assistant (family member or other)

Suction the oral, nasal and pharyngeal area in less than 5 seconds using a bulb syringe

On and off ventilation
As above Heart rate above 60 beats/minute
As above Heart rate below 60 beats/minute As above, but with the addition of cardiac massage (see Figure 7.4)
Last modified: Friday, 11 July 2014, 3:38 PM