No wail at birth: ‘Asphyxia may be the cause ’

Lucknow: If a baby doesn’t cry at birth, it could be a sign of asphyxia and parents must seek professional attention to prevent brain damage or death.This was stated during a conference on newborn health, organised by the National Neonatology Forum of India (NNFI), the Lucknow Academy of Pediatrics, along with state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, in Lucknow. Birth asphyxia occurs in 3 out of every 1,000 live births when a baby doesn't receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. Dr Sanjay Niranjan, state president of Lucknow Academy of Pediatricians highlighted that while most deliveries occur in healthcare institutions, some women deliver at home with help of midwife and this often leads to delayed diagnosis and negative outcomes. He urged parents to choose hospital deliveries and seek immediate medical attention in emergencies.Dr Mala Kumar, state president of NNF UP and in charge of neonatology at KGMU, discussed the need for a system to transport and admit newborns, similar to Covid command centres. Such a system would help people access information about available care and vacant beds, ultimately saving lives of newborn.