Final answer:
The term 'perinatal asphyxia' is being replaced with more specific diagnoses like Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) or neonatal encephalopathy (NE), depending on the neonate's condition. Understanding fetal blood circulation and hemoglobin differences, as well as factors affecting fetal growth, is essential in managing neonatal conditions like Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'perinatal asphyxia' is clinically used to describe the condition where a newborn experiences a significant lack of oxygen and a potential decrease in blood flow during the birthing process. This could be due to various complications such as umbilical cord problems, delivery issues, or abnormalities in the placenta or uterus. It is important to accurately diagnose and describe these conditions, as they may require different medical interventions. Medical professionals now prefer to use more specific terms related to the neonate's condition, such as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) if there is evidence of central nervous system dysfunction, or neonatal encephalopathy (NE) for broader neurological deficits not solely caused by hypoxia.
Understanding the differences in fetal blood circulation and hemoglobin during and after birth is crucial. Before birth, fetal hemoglobin allows the fetus to effectively extract oxygen from the mother's blood via the placenta. Upon delivery, the newborn must adjust to breathing air, and the circulation must change to send blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
Various factors affect fetal growth and the transition to neonatal life. These factors include maternal health, placental health, and the fetus's development which determines birth weight and viability. Complications and low birth weight can increase the risk of conditions such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) or contribute to increased mortality rates among neonates.