{"id":26152,"date":"2019-08-25T21:49:53","date_gmt":"2019-08-26T03:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=26152"},"modified":"2022-03-17T08:43:51","modified_gmt":"2022-03-17T14:43:51","slug":"intraventricular-hemorrhage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/birth-defects\/intraventricular-hemorrhage\/","title":{"rendered":"Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is when there is bleeding in or around the ventricles of the brain. This condition is most common in premature babies (though versions of this occur in all age groups). IVH can put pressure on nerves in the brain and cause injury and permanent damage.<\/p>\n

When Does an Intraventricular Hemorrhage Happen?<\/h2>\n

This condition not usually present at birth, but rather occurs within the first three to four days after birth. It is important to understand the signs and measures to take if a baby may be suffering from it.<\/p>\n

For infants born before 30 weeks or ones who weigh less than 5 lb 3 oz, it is always a good idea to ask for an ultrasound<\/a> in the days following birth. This is one of the most effective ways of finding out if a baby is experiencing IVH. After 1 month out of the womb, there is almost no further risk of IVH.<\/p>\n

Grades of\u00a0Intraventricular Hemorrhages<\/h3>\n

Grades I-IV:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Grade I<\/strong> – Bleeding of the ventricles in small areas (also known as germinal matrix hemorrhage)<\/li>\n
  2. Grade II <\/strong> – There is bleeding found inside the ventricles<\/li>\n
  3. Grade III<\/strong> – The blood is causing an enlargement of the ventricles and presses on the brain tissue<\/li>\n
  4. Grade IV<\/strong> – Blood is found in the brain tissues surrounding the ventricles (also known as an intraparenchymal hemorrhage).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Grades 1 and 2 are the most common and refer to smaller amounts of bleeding. Generally, a grade 1 or 2 hemorrhage will not cause permanent damage and can be treated.<\/p>\n

    Grades 3 and 4 are diagnosed when such severe bleeding has entered the ventricles that they are enlarged and blood clots could be preventing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This increases the amount of fluid in the brain,\u00a0otherwise known as hydrocephalus.<\/p>\n

    Causes:<\/h3>\n

    There is no easily definable cause of intraventricular hemorrhage. The condition occurs because blood vessels are not fully developed or strong enough to support the blood flow (which is why this is rarely found in more developed babies).
    \nWhile it could be caused by a head injury or pressure from delivery, it can also occur without much warning or reason.<\/p>\n

    Many factors can contribute to the likelihood of this condition. Premature babies<\/a> are most at risk, especially those born ten weeks early or earlier. The more premature a baby is, the more at risk he or she is for this and other health complications.<\/p>\n

    Preemies born with respiratory problems (like RDS) or other complications because of prematurity are also at higher risk. Babies who experience other blood-related problems, infections, and\/or shaken baby syndrome have an increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage.<\/p>\n

    Symptoms”<\/h3>\n

    Sometimes, babies with intraventricular hemorrhage may experience little to no obvious symptoms. In other cases, there are various symptoms that may occur.
    \nBecause many of these symptoms could also be indicative of other conditions, it is important to consult with a doctor when you notice any of the following:<\/p>\n