Many factors can cause brain damage during birth, including:
Asphyxiation during birth: This is when the body is deprived of oxygen. It is one of the most common causes and can happen due to maternal anemia, placental abruption (detachment), infections, or airway issues. The two types of asphyxiation are hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) and anoxia (no oxygen).
Kernicterus: Untreated severe newborn jaundice can cause a type of brain damage called kernicterus. Kernicterus can result in hearing loss and athetoid cerebral palsy.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is when a pregnant mother has high blood pressure and high protein levels in her urine. If preeclampsia develops into eclampsia (maternal seizures), the newborn may develop brain damage or even die.
Physical injury: Physical harm during delivery, such as prolonged pressure on the skull from medical instruments or assistive delivery tools, may cause brain damage. These situations are often considered medical negligence.