How long do babies have without breathing before they develop hie?

Seconds to Breathe: It is difficult to say precisely which infants develop hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (hie) and to what degree of severity. We do know, however, that effective breathing (ventilation and oxygenation) should be initiated within seconds of delivery and well-established by one minute of life. If not, there are clear steps for intervention, outlined in the neonatal resuscitation program (nrp).

Variable: Certainly hie can begin before the baby is born if the placenta seperates prior to delivery, or there is nuchal cord or true knot in the cord. All these situations cut off the oxygen supply to the baby prior to birth and can start the hie process. Even if immediate resucitation is started for the baby at birth, the lack of oxygen prior can have hie impact that requires hypothermia therapy.