Does Lactic Acidosis Mean a Baby Has HIE?

Not necessarily—but lactic acidosis can be a strong indicator that a baby experienced oxygen deprivation, which is one of the primary causes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The key point is this: Lactic acidosis is not the diagnosis—it’s a clue about what may have happened during birth. What Is Lactic Acidosis in a Newborn? Lactic acidosis occurs when the body produces excess lactic acid, usually because cells are not getting enough oxygen. During labor or delivery, this can happen if: blood flow through the placenta is reduced the baby is under stress oxygen delivery is compromised When oxygen is low, the…