Fetal distress 584452 225153222 2008-07-12T04:26:42Z SieBot 4005189 robot Adding: [[he:מצוקה עוברית]] {{Infobox_Disease | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Image = | Caption = | DiseasesDB = 4882 | ICD10 = {{ICD10|O|68||o|60}} | ICD9 = {{ICD9|768.2}}-{{ICD9|768.4}} | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = | eMedicineTopic = | MeshID = D005316 | }} In [[medicine]] ([[obstetrics]]), '''fetal distress''' is the presence of signs in a [[pregnancy|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 (childbirth)|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]] Some of these signs are more reliable predictors of actual distress than others. For example, cardiocartography can give high false positive rates, even when interpreted by highly experienced medical personnel. Acidosis is a highly reliable predictor, but is not always available. A highly effective method of assessment of distress would be to use fetal heart rate as a first indicator of distress, to be confirmed with a more reliable method of diagnosis before radical treatment is performed. ==Causes== There are many causes of fetal distress: * [[Breath|Breathing]] problems * Abnormal position and presentation of the fetus * [[Multiple birth]]s * [[Shoulder dystocia]] * [[Prolapsed umbilical cord]] * [[Nuchal cord]] * [[Placental abruption]] * Premature closure of the fetal [[ductus arteriosus]] ==Treatment== In many situations fetal distress will lead the [[obstetrician]] to recommend steps to urgently deliver the baby. This can be done by [[induction (birth)|induction]], or in more urgent cases, a [[caesarean section]] may be performed. [[Category:Childbirth]] [[Category:Diseases]] {{disease-stub}} {{Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium}} [[he:מצוקה עוברית]]