What is fetal distress in labor?
Fetal distress refers to signs before and during childbirth indicating that the fetus is not well. Fetal distress is an uncommon complication of labor. It typically occurs when the fetus has not been receiving enough oxygen. Fetal distress may occur when. The pregnancy lasts too long (postmaturity.
What are the types of fetal distress?
Several conditions and risk factors can lead to fetal distress or non-reassuring fetal status, including:
- Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)
- Meconium in the amniotic fluid.
- Gestational Hypertension.
- Post-term pregnancy.
- Breathing problems.
- Anemia.
- Abnormal position and presentation of the fetus.
- Multiple births.
What is maternal and fetal distress?
Fetal distress refers to the compromise of the fetus due to inadequate oxygen or nutrient supply. This can occur due to maternal, fetal or placental factors. At its most severe it may lead to neonatal brain injury or stillbirth.
What is the management of fetal distress?
Ensuring the mother has adequate oxygen. Amnioinfusion (the insertion of fluid into the amniotic cavity to alleviate compression of the umbilical cord) Tocolysis (a therapy used to delay preterm labor by temporarily stopping contractions) Intravenous hypertonic dextrose.
What causes maternal distress?
Antecedents to maternal distress include becoming a mother, role changes, body changes and functioning, increased demands and challenges, losses and gains, birth experiences, and changes to relationships and social context.
How can you tell fetal distress?
Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Distress
- Decreased movement by the baby in the womb.
- Cramping.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Excessive weight gain.
- Inadequate weight gain.
- The “baby bump” in the mother’s tummy is not progressing or looks smaller than expected.
How common is fetal distress in labour?
When your doctor or midwife sees signs that your baby is unwell during pregnancy, or isn’t coping well with the demands of labour, they may call it fetal distress. Fetal distress during labour and birth is fairly common. About a quarter of babies show signs of distress at some point .
What is a fetal distress?
Fetal distress is a sign that your baby is not well. It happens when the baby isn’t receiving enough oxygen through the placenta. If it’s not treated, fetal distress can lead to the baby breathing in amniotic fluid containing meconium (poo).
How is fetal distress treated?
Some means of intrauterine resuscitation include: Ensuring the mother has adequate oxygen. Amnioinfusion (the insertion of fluid into the amniotic cavity to alleviate compression of the umbilical cord) Tocolysis (a therapy used to delay preterm labor by temporarily stopping contractions) Intravenous hypertonic dextrose.
What are the symptoms of fetal distress?
Signs and symptoms of fetal distress include: Reduced fetal movement or lack of movement altogether. Meconium (fetal feces) in amniotic fluid. Decreased heart rate. A significant increase in heart rate.
What causes fetal distress?
There are many causes of “fetal distress” including: Breathing problems. Abnormal position and presentation of the fetus. Multiple births. Shoulder dystocia. Umbilical cord prolapse. Nuchal cord.
How is fetal distress diagnosed?
Fetal distress is diagnosed based on fetal heart rate monitoring. The fetal heart rate should be monitored throughout pregnancy and taken at every prenatal appointment. Doctors can use internal or external tools to measure the fetal heart rate (1).
Is too much fetal movement a sign of distress?
Any sudden change in kicking patterns can indicate fetal distress, and this includes becoming overactive. If your baby’s movements change suddenly or drastically a healthcare provider needs to be called. An increase in violent, frantic movement could indicate that something is wrong. So, in this case, too much fetal movement can be a concern.