What is a common risk factor for hypoxia in newborns?

Fetal growth restriction, often referred to as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is a significant risk factor for hypoxia in newborns. This condition occurs when a fetus does not reach its expected weight and size for gestational age, typically due to inadequate placental blood flow, maternal health issues, or other factors that impair nutrient and oxygen delivery. When the fetus is not growing adequately, it may experience a reduced supply of oxygen, leading to circumstances where hypoxia can occur during and after delivery.

Adequate oxygen is critical for fetal development, particularly for the brain and other vital organs. When there is a restriction in growth, the risk of complications such as asphyxia and hypoxia increases. This is why recognizing and managing fetal growth restriction is essential in neonatal care and transport, as effective interventions can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants.

The other options, while they can influence neonatal outcomes, do not have the same direct connection to hypoxia as fetal growth restriction. For example, advanced maternal age can increase risks for various complications but is more broadly associated with chromosomal abnormalities rather than hypoxia specifically. Multiple gestations carry risks due to being born prematurely, but they are not as explicitly linked to hypoxia as IUG