If you’ve given birth and are concerned that your baby suffered harm during the birth due to a lack of oxygen (this is known hypoxic ischaemia encephalopathy, HIE), we can support you.
If your baby was born at an NHS hospital between April 2017 and September 2023, you may have been through a maternity investigation conducted by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB). Since October 2023, these investigations have been carried out as part of the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigation (MNSI) programme. You might also have undergone an investigation process with NHS Resolution known as the Early Notification Scheme (ENS).
Read our dedicated self-help guides below for more details on MNSI and ENS birth investigations.
If you gave birth under private care, you will not have undergone either an MNSI or ENS investigation, but you may have gone through your hospital’s own complaints process and/or complained to your private obstetrician.
How do I know if my baby suffered a lack of oxygen at birth?
Unfortunately, you may not be sure. Many women experience difficult births, but not all of these result in a prolonged lack of oxygen to the baby. When this does happen, however, it can cause the baby to suffer a brain injury such as cerebral palsy. If you are concerned and your baby has been through any or all of the following, contact us for free, confidential advice:
- Therapeutic cooling, also known as brain cooling. This involves deliberately lowering your baby’s body temperature immediately after birth.
- Experiencing seizures (fitting) immediately or shortly after birth.
- A lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. Words such as hypoxia, hypoxic ischaemia, or hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) may have been used. You may have been told by a doctor or other medical professional that there is a risk your baby has a brain injury.
- If you had a difficult birth and your baby is a bit older and is not meeting their milestones, or perhaps they are not holding their head properly or sitting up on their own.
Please note: Even if your baby has experienced some or all of the above, this does not necessarily mean that the care provided to you and your baby at the time of their birth or shortly afterwards was not acceptable. If you are unsure and would like help, please call our helpline.
Other ways we can help you
Call our helpline: 0345 123 2352
