What causes metabolic acidosis in newborns?

Neonatal metabolic acidosis may be caused by factors such as hypoxia and ischemia. Metabolic acidosis can lead to symptoms in newborns including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and weakness, and can also damage the cardiovascular system, causing hypotension, arrhythmias, and decreased myocardial contractility. Most importantly, improving circulation and restoring blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues are essential for completely correcting metabolic acidosis. If circulation does not improve, sodium bicarbonate may be administered, as tissue cells continue to produce lactic acid.