Fetal Distress And Things Mothers Should Know

Fetal distress is a critical condition during pregnancy which should be early recognized to promptly intervene and restrict impacts on the fetus. Let’s learn about the signs of fetal distress in order to provide the best fetal protection, mothers!

► WHAT IS FETAL DISTRESS?

Fetal distress or placental insufficiency is critical condition on fetal health. This condition happens when the fetus isn’t receiving adequate oxygen through the maternal placenta and umbilical cord. Without prompt intervention and management, this can result in meconium aspiration or more seriously with fetal heart rate termination. Fetal distress normally occurs in labor, a few cases seen in gestation.

► CAUSES OF FETAL DISTRESS:

Fetal distress may be caused by placental problems such as placental abruption, placental insufficiency, uterine rupture…. or umbilical cord abnormalities include knots, compression and prolapse of the umbilical cord.

In addition, there are some maternal conditions such as preeclampsia, diabetes, prolonged pregnancy, prolonged labor, uterine hyperstimulation which also cause fetal distress.

Some factors increase the risk of fetal distress:

• Mothers with obesity, smoking, stimulant use during pregnancy, anemia
• Intrauterine growth restriction, oligohydramnios

► SIGNS OF FETAL DISTRESS:

• Fetal distress can be detected by monitoring fetal heart rhythm during labour.
• Bradycardia or a bnormal heart rhythms may be important signs of fetal distress.
• Decreased fetal movements in long-term or abnormal fetal movements.
• Another sign is the meconium in amniotic fluid. Inform your doctor immediately if mothers observe the amniotic fluid is green or brown because this can be a sign of meconium presence

Importantly, the initial signs of fetal distress normally are unclear and difficult to realize. Therefore, mothers-to-be need to comply with prenatal care schedule in order to early detect gestational abnormalities for prompt intervention. Simultaneously, doctors will closely monitor fetal heart rate and uterine contractions depending on the satge of labour. If any abnormality of labor detected, doctors will indicate C-section or assisted vaginal delivery depending on obstetric conditions and indications so as to provide the best care to mothers and babies.

At the AIH Clinic, physicians and nutritionists will monitor and provide specific recommendations for individual parturient in order to create the best care plans for parturients and babies.