Risk Factors for Birth Asphyxia in Samutsakorn Hospital

Abstract

Objective : To study factors which may caused birth asphyxia and to reduce birth asphyxia rate.

Research method: Retrospective survey study

Subjects : Gestational age 28 weeks or above of pregnant women who were admitted to labor room of Samutsakorn Hospital between October 1, 2005-September 30, 2008. These pregnant women delivered asphyxia newborns (Apgar score at 1 min≤7).

Results : Total of 18,021 pregnant women, 441 of them delivered asphyxia newborn. The prevalence of birth asphyxia rate is 27.9, 20.1, 24.3 : 1,000 live birth in 2006, 2007, 2008 years, respectively. The risk factors which may caused birth asphyxia included general and maternal factors, most of them were 80.2% of 18-34 years old. 65.3% were 37-41 weeks of gestational age, 57.1% were nulliparity, 40.2% good ANC in Samutsakorn Hospital. Pre-delivery factors, most of them (71.7%) had no risk factors. In risk factor groups, 14.6% iron deficiency anemia, 4.9% previous cesarean section. Labor factors, most of them (70.3%) had risk factors, 45.8% medical induction of labor and 10% analgesic (pethidine) were used. Newborn factors, most of them (62.7) had 2,500-3,999 gram body weight, 49.7% had clear amniotic fluid and 7.9% had thick meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Conclusion : Good antenatal care and early detection of risk factors by risk screening system, par- tograph and electronic fetal monitoring used, good resuscitation team can reduce birth asphyxia rate.