What is intraventricular hemorrhage?

Also known as: IVH, intraventricular hemorrhage of the newborn, intracerebral hemorrhage, bleeding into the brain.

IVH of the newborn is bleeding into the fluid filled cavities (ventricles) of the baby’s brain. It occurs most frequently in babies born prematurely, particularly if they are less than 30 weeks gestation, because baby’s blood vessels mature and get stronger later in pregnancy.

There are four types or “grades” of IVH. Types 1 and 2 are usually small bleeds and don't cause significant long term problems. Grades 3 and 4 involve more severe bleeding.

---

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM