Fetal distress, also referred to as non-reassuring fetal status, is a condition where a baby in the womb shows signs of not being well. Fetal distress is usually an indicator of the fetus receiving inadequate oxygen. If fetal distress occurs and the cause is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. One of the key signs of fetal distress is a change in the baby’s heart rate, either too slow (bradycardia) or too fast (tachycardia). Reduced fetal activity is another key indicator that most expectant people identify as a reduction in the baby's normal kicks or movements. Since fetal distress can occur at any point in late pregnancy or during labour, searching for a pregnancy hospital near me and booking an appointment for early diagnosis and intervention can really be a lifesaver.
In this article, we explore what fetal distress really means, its causes, warning signs and how it can be treated to ensure a safer pregnancy journey.
Distress in a fetus usually revolves around abnormal fetal heart rate tracings. Under normal circumstances, a fetal heart rate varies between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). When it falls below 110 bpm (bradycardia) or exceeds 160 bpm (tachycardia), there could be an issue.
Fetal distress is a result of a number of maternal or fetal factors, the most frequent being a deficiency of oxygen supply. Common causes include:
● Placental problems, such as placental abruption or placenta previa
● Hypertension or preeclampsia
● Oligohydramnios (low levels of amniotic fluid)
● Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
● Umbilical cord complications
● Uterine tachysystole, i.e., contraction that is too frequent
Other risk factors are chronic illnesses like diabetes, severe anaemia, carrying more than one baby, post-dates pregnancy or infection. When you search for the best pregnancy hospital near me, make sure to find a well-equipped and recognised pregnancy centre that can monitor and manage these risks effectively.
The first sign of fetal distress is usually experienced by the pregnant individual: a reduction or cessation of fetal movements. Kick counts are thus a critical component of late pregnancy surveillance.
From a clinical standpoint, fetal distress changes in heart rate are crucial. These involve:
● Prolonged bradycardia (slowed heart rate) or tachycardia (accelerated heart rate)
● Irregularity in fetal heart rate monitoring.
● Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (baby's first stool eliminated while in utero) prior to labour can also be a sign that the fetus has experienced stress.
An immediate checkup at a maternity hospital is recommended in such cases.
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Both non-invasive and invasive techniques are used to detect fetal distress. The most frequently used devices are:
● Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): Monitors the heart rate of the baby in real-time.
● Non-Stress Test (NST) and Contraction Stress Test (CST): Assess heart rate reaction to fetal activity and uterine contractions.
● Biophysical Profile (BPP): Combined NST with ultrasound examination to evaluate breathing, movement, tone and amniotic fluid volume.
● Fetal Scalp Blood Sampling: Performed during labour to evaluate acid-base status and document metabolic acidosis if indicated. However not performed these days.
A quick search for a hospital maternity near me can give you a list of top-rated hospitals that offer diagnostic procedures and routine services, particularly in high-risk pregnancies or when labour is not progressing normally.
Once fetal distress has been identified, the first aim is to stabilise the condition, which is referred to as intrauterine resuscitation. This involves:
● Repositioning the mother to enhance blood flow
● Administering oxygen
● Giving IV fluids
● Withholding drugs such as oxytocin (administered to stimulate labour)
● Treating infections if they are present
If these manoeuvres fail to enhance the fetal heart rate or oxygenation level, the best next step is generally expedited delivery, either via Cesarean or assisted vaginal delivery, depending on fetal and clinical status.
If left untreated, fetal distress can result in serious short- and long-term complications for both the parent and the baby.
Potential complications in a newborn include:
● Fetal encephalopathy (oxygen-induced brain damage)
● Seizures
● Cerebral palsy
● Long-term neurodevelopmental delay
● In extreme cases, stillbirth
For the Mother, complications could be uterine rupture, postpartum haemorrhage or infection, particularly when emergency intervention is needed.
Cloudnine is a top-choice destination for high-quality neonatal services. What sets it apart from most other centres, however, is its focus on individualised, evidence-based care guided by seasoned neonatologists and critical care specialists.
With advanced labour and delivery rooms, real-time fetal monitoring technology and 24/7 NICU coverage, Cloudnine manages each high-risk pregnancy in a proactive way. Whether it's uninterrupted monitoring for distressed fetal heart rate patterns or rapid decision-making & Manage babies with antenatally detected fetal distress in the case of emergency deliveries, Cloudnine provides a secure and safe space for both mother and infant. Its focus on holistic care, such as emotional care, diet counselling and post-delivery recovery programmes, makes it a preferred choice for expectant mothers.
Role of neonatologist is to manage babies with antenaltaly detected fetal distress and its possible complications in NICU thereby limiting further disease and reduce long term morbidity.
Fetal distress is a medical warning sign that something is not quite all right with the baby's oxygenation or general health. Although alarming, prompt detection and intervention frequently result in good outcomes. Recognising early signs, like decreased fetal activity or irregular fetal distress heart rate and choosing a high-quality care facility such as Cloudnine can be life-saving. With the right medical support, most cases of fetal distress can be effectively managed, ensuring a safe journey from womb to world.
