How long can a baby go without breathing after birth?

Time Frame for Oxygen Deprivation

Survival for babies that experience oxygen deprivation will range, as outcomes vary depending on how severe it is, how long it persists, and how quickly medical professionals can intervene. In general, a person can survive without oxygen to the brain for 5 to 10 minutes, here is a breakdown:

* After 1 minute of oxygen deprivation, cells in the brain begin to die, but survival and recovery are possible, especially if appropriate treatment methods are taken.

* After 3 minutes of oxygen deprivation, the brain is likely to experience serious damage.

* After 10 minutes of lack of oxygen, brain damage is imminent, and death of many brain cells and poorer recovery prognoses will result.

* After 15 minutes, brain damage is permanent and there is little possibility for recovery. Any time around this period without oxygen can also lead to death.

Any amount of time a baby experiences oxygen deprivation can cause harm, and resulting brain damage may vary depending on the unique facts involved. This includes whether or not medical professionals upheld their legal obligation to address complications in a timely and reasonable manner, such as performing:

-Emergency C-sections
-Head cooling
-Other risk-reducing or life-saving procedures