Asphyxia at birth: maternal risk factors and their impact on neonatal mortality

Introduction: the term perinatal asphyxia is very controversial and its use requires extreme care due to its ethical and legal implications. The three main causes of death of newborns in the world are infections, prematurity and perinatal asphyxia, according to WHO data. Objective: to update the maternal risk factors that influence perinatal asphyxia. Development: current national and international sources on the different causes of death associated with neonatal asphyxia were reviewed; produced by congenital malformations, neonatal sepsis and asphyxia secondary to placental conditions and risk factors. Conclusions: A possible action plan is proposed for both primary and secondary levels.