P52: Intracranial nontraumatic haemorrhage of fetus and newborn

P52.5: Subarachnoid (nontraumatic) haemorrhage of fetus and newborn

The brain is made up of several areas. For example, the cerebrum is used to think and plan actions. In the cerebellum, movements are initialized and coordinated. The brain stem is responsible for various unconscious tasks such as breathing. The brain stem passes into the spinal cord. On the outside of the brain and spinal cord there are three thin meninges (linings). A tough meninx, the dura mater, is on the outside. Below that are two soft meninges. There are different reasons why bleeding might occur between the soft linings of the brain.

Bleeding between the soft linings of the brain may occur in premature babies and term babies. A birth is premature if the child is born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. When there is a bleed between the soft linings of the brain, the baby may have seizures or breathing problems.