Can oxygen deprivation cause brain damage in newborns? Yes, it can lead to serious brain injuries like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, where the baby’s brain does not get enough oxygen or blood flow around the time of birth.[1][3][5] This condition happens when something cuts off the oxygen supply to the brain during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or right after birth, and it can damage brain cells quickly.[1][4][5]
The brain of a newborn is very sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Even a short time without enough oxygen can start harming brain tissue. After about four minutes, brain cells may begin to die, which affects how the baby thinks, moves, and grows later on.[3][4] Doctors call this type of injury anoxic or hypoxic brain injury, depending on if the oxygen loss is total or partial.[3] In HIE, the lack of oxygen and blood flow causes swelling in the brain, cell death, and problems like poor blood flow control.[1][3]
Common causes include problems during birth, such as delays in doing a C-section when the baby shows distress, failure to help the baby breathe right away, or broken equipment meant to give oxygen.[1][2][5] For example, if the baby is not breathing well at birth and caregivers do not act fast, the oxygen shortage worsens and hurts the brain more.[1][5] Sometimes, it links to other issues like brain bleeds, where weak blood vessels break from the stress of low oxygen.[2]
Newborns with this kind of oxygen loss often show signs soon after birth. They might have low scores on tests like the Apgar, weak muscle tone, trouble breathing, or seizures.[5] Over time, kids may face delays in learning to sit up, walk, or talk, feeding problems, or conditions like cerebral palsy in worse cases.[5][6] Not every case is severe, though. Some babies have mild effects that improve with quick care, while others face lifelong challenges based on how long the oxygen was cut off and how fast treatment started.[6]
Treatment focuses on stopping more damage right away. One key method is cooling therapy, where doctors lower the baby’s body temperature in the newborn intensive care unit, or NICU. This helps reduce swelling, slow injury spread, and protect brain cells.[1] They also give oxygen through breathing help or other support. Early action matters a lot, as delays can make the damage worse.[1][3]
Parts of the brain hit hardest include areas that control movement and thinking, like the basal ganglia and certain layers of the outer brain.[3] If blood flow returns too suddenly, it can even cause extra harm through swelling or chemical buildup.[3] Families often need ongoing therapy for movement, speech, or daily skills to help the child as much as possible.[4]
Sources
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/
https://powlesslaw.com/newborn-brain-bleeds-ich-causes-symptoms-and-malpractice/
https://now.aapmr.org/pediatric-anoxic-brain-injury/
https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/birth-injury-claims/guides/your-guide-to-hypoxic-brain-injury-claims/
https://www.cuminggillespie.com/blog/medical-malpractice/faqs-about-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/
https://www.maloneylawgroup.com/blog/2025/december/common-hie-misconceptions-among-parents/
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/understanding-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-a-silent-threat-to-newborns/bbeef1e4f5570274f9eb88cf31531590
