Fetal distress

Fetal distress
ICD-10	O68
ICD-9	768.2-768.4
DiseasesDB	4882
MeSH	D005316

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

In medicine (obstetrics), fetal distress is the presence of signs in a pregnant woman—before or during childbirth—that the fetus is not well or is becoming excessively fatigued.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of fetal distress include:

• Decreased movement felt by the mother
• Meconium in the amniotic fluid
• Cardiotocography signs
  • increased or decreased fetal heart rate (tachycardia and bradycardia), especially during and after a contraction
  • decreased variability in the fetal heart rate
• Biochemical signs, assessed by collecting a small sample of baby's blood from a scalp prick through the open cervix in labour
  • fetal acidosis
  • elevated fetal blood lactate levels indicating the baby has a lactic acidosis

Causes

There are many causes of fetal distress:

• Breathing problems
• Abnormal position and presentation of the fetus
• Multiple births
• Shoulder dystocia
• Prolapsed umbilical cord
• Nuchal cord
• Placental abruption

Treatment

In many situations fetal distress will lead the obstetrician to recommend steps to urgently deliver the baby. This can be done by induction, or in more urgent cases, a caesarean section may be performed.

Contraindicated medications

Fetal distress is considered an absolute contraindication to the use of the following medications:

• Oxytocin

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