Intrauterine hypoxia

**Definition:** Intrauterine hypoxia occurs when the fetus is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen. This may occur with prolapse or occlusion of the umbilical cord, placental infarction and maternal smoking. This can lead to damage of the central nervous system and neonatal encephalopathy, which increases the risk of mortality.

**Inclusions:** - intrauterine distress

**Exclusions:** - Intracranial nontraumatic haemorrhage of fetus or newborn - Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy of newborn - Metabolic acidaemia in newborn - Late metabolic acidosis of newborn