CAYABYAB, TRISHA M.

BSN G2C – NCM_109 RLE

FETAL DISTRESS

Though the term “fetal distress” is widely used, there is no clear definition to what it truly
means. It is commonly referred to as the depletion of oxygen and accumulation of carbon
dioxide, leading to a state of hypoxia or acidosis during the inter-uterine life of a baby. The
ambiguity in the terms definition often makes it hard for medical practitioners to make an
accurate diagnosis and to provide a proper treatment. Some doctors like to refer to it as “Non-
reassuring fetal status.

Hypoxia is a condition wherein the body is being deprived of adequate oxygen supply at
the tissue level. It may result to permanent fetal brain damage or even death. Fetal acidosis, on
the other hand, refers to high levels of toxicity in an unborn baby’s blood, which can cause
problems with organ function or even lead to death.

Usually, fetal distress is identified based on the abnormal heart rate pattern of the fetus.
A doppler, fetoscope or an FHR monitor can be used to monitor fetal heart rate. If a fetus’ heart
rate is less than 110 beats per minute or more than 200 beats per minute, then this is an
indication of possible distress. Fetal heart rate monitoring can also monitor the mother’s
contractions, as well as the fetus’ response to hypoxia.

Some conditions that can be related to the cause of fetal distress are:
 Maternal Hypoxia due to anesthesia, anemia, eclamptic fits, sever pulmonary disease or
heart failure.
 Problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa, abruptio placenta, uteroplacental
insufficiency, etc...
 Post-term pregnancies
 Intrauterine Growth Restriction
 Oligohydramnios
 Dystocia
 Strong Cord coil
 and Rapid contractions
 Prolonged compression of the fetus’ head

Management for fetal distress may include:

  Changing the mother’s position
 Ensuring the mother is well-hydrated
 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
 There are also cases when an emergency cesarean section is necessary.

References:
https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/fetal-distress/
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/complications-of-labor-and-
delivery/fetal-distress