Perinatal damage of brain stem depending on the maturity of its structures.

The aim of this study was to discuss the interaction between the maturation of the brain stem and its susceptibility to perinatal lesion. Many observations indicate that the last months of pregnancy and the perinatal period are the time of intensive maturation of these structures. Lesions of the brain stem were many times found after acute anoxia as well as after chronic asphyxia during this period. This indicates the importance of prevention of the pathology of pregnancy. Occurring in the last trimester of gestation it can induce damage of brain stem centers important for the fetus to survive the stress of birth and adaptation for individual life.