Fetal distress in childbirth

The pregnancy period is the most exciting and important for a woman. Throughout the term it is important to know that the baby is fully developed and feels well. Any violations can indicate the presence of fetal distress. To diagnose the distress syndrome of the fetus, it is necessary to conduct CTG and ultrasound. According to the survey, it will be seen whether the baby has a palpitations, decreased activity or the presence of special reactions to fights.

Explanation of the term

The concept of "distress of the fetus" implies the presence of hypoxia in the baby (oxygen starvation). As a consequence, there is a rapid development of abnormalities in virtually all life support systems. The brain, respiratory and cardiovascular systems suffer the most. In some cases, fetal distress requires immediate delivery.

Intrauterine hypoxia can develop under the influence of external adverse factors (poor ecology and living conditions, improper diet or lifestyle of the pregnant woman). They significantly impair the blood flow from the uterus to the placenta, as a result of which the fetus does not receive enough oxygen and other substances necessary for the development of substances.

Approximately twenty percent of women (of the total number of pregnant women) are diagnosed as "fetal distress".

Species of the syndrome

Depending on the period of development, distress is distinguished:

• During pregnancy;
• At delivery.

It is important to note that early diagnosis carries more threats to the life of the baby than the syndrome that developed after the 30th week, because during this period, a caesarean section is possible.

• The development of distress in the first trimester leads to disruption of the development of vital systems and spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).
• Distress fetus in the second trimester provokes a delay in the development of the baby, miscarriage, fading, premature birth.
• The syndrome that has arisen during childbirth requires a lot of attention from doctors. The second stage of childbirth is the most dangerous period, therefore, if there is distress, an emergency caesarean section should be performed.

If the fetus is fixed in the uterus too low, acceleration of the second period of labor is performed using perineotomy or vacuum extraction methods.

Stages of severity of the syndrome

Distress syndrome of the fetus is also classified according to the degree of severity of the course in relation to the child. Distinguish:

1. Compensation stage: its duration is about 3-4 weeks. It causes hypoxia, a delay in development. It is a chronic distress.
2. The stage of subcompensation - lasts for several days, causes severe hypoxia, requires rapid medical intervention.
3. Stage decompensation - characterized by the presence of fetal asphyxia (choking), requires immediate surgical intervention.

Antenatal distress of the fetus has serious consequences for the child's life. Hypoxia or asphyxia have a negative impact on the subsequent viability of the child. In the most severe cases, the baby can die. Quick and qualified medical help will help to minimize all the consequences of the syndrome.

Causes of fetal distress development in pregnancy

To specify the exact cause that caused the syndrome is quite difficult. Most often, the combination of several factors exerts influence. Mother's health is the most important in this matter. In the presence of the following diseases, a diagnosis of "hypoxia" can be made:

• Problems with metabolism (obesity, diabetes mellitus);
• Kidney disease;
• Problems in the work of the cardiovascular system (hypertension, heart disease, rheumatism);
• Liver disease (viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure);
• Pathology of the blood (problems with coagulability, anemia).

Also a great influence on the fetal status of the fetus is provided by:

• Multiple pregnancies ;
• Premature detachment or a placenta infarction;
• Wrong way of life (alcohol, smoking, drugs);
• Pre-eclampsia;
• Infectious diseases (rubella, cytomegalovirus);
• Pathology at the genetic level.

The appearance of such a sign, as a distress syndrome, affects the intake of certain medications.

Distress during childbirth

Oxygen starvation in the course of labor is caused by a brief squeezing of the myometrium (there are blood vessels in it) during the fight. As a result, the fetus does not receive enough blood saturated with oxygen, and hypoxia develops. If the pregnancy period ran smoothly, then a slight oxygen starvation in the active stage of childbirth would not harm the baby and his health.

The following factors can cause fetal distress during childbirth:

• Premature delivery;
• Multiple pregnancies;
• A narrow pelvis of the mother, not corresponding to the size of the fetal head;
• A large fruit;
• Weak or rapid labor activity;
• Uterine bleeding as a result of placental abruption.

Distress of the fetus during childbirth should be clearly monitored in order to provide the necessary assistance in time, to minimize the negative consequences for the health of the baby and mother. Most often, this is a caesarean section or vacuum extraction of the fetus.

Signs of fetal distress

The main manifestation of oxygen starvation is a violation of the heart rhythm. Normally, the abbreviations range from 110-170 beats per minute. They are clearly heard and rhythmic. Violation of the heartbeat during the bout should be restored after its termination.

An important criterion is the character of the fetal movements. In the passive stage of childbirth for half an hour the child should move at least five times. In the active absence of perturbations is not a pathology.

It is necessary to know the signs of antenatal fetal distress in order to provide the necessary help and save the baby's life at the right time, as well as to minimize all the negative manifestations of hypoxia for further development of the fetus.

Consequences of the syndrome

Any pathology of the period of embryogenesis bears in danger for the child, and the distress of the fetus is no exception. The consequences of this syndrome have a great impact on the state of all body systems. The most severely affected are:

• Heart and circulatory system;
• The brain (pathologies develop, and the work of the central nervous system is disrupted);
• respiratory system;
• Excretory system.

The inadequate functioning of even one of the systems leads to a malfunction in the work of the whole organism.

Methods of diagnosis

During pregnancy and during labor, certain diagnostic tests are performed showing the state of the fetus:

• Listening to the heartbeat: starting from the 20th week the gynecologist at every reception listens to the heart of the fetus. This allows us to detect in time the presence of any violations.
• Activity: for half a day the child must perform about ten movements. In case of any violations (excessive or, conversely, inadequate activity of the child), it is urgent to inform the doctor about it.
• The parameters of the height of the standing of the uterine fundus and the abdominal circumference: thus the gynecologists determine the approximate weight of the fetus. In case of a lag in growth, it is also necessary to conduct a survey and find out if there are any backlogs in development or pathology.

Timely diagnosis and qualified help in most cases help to save the life and health of the baby.

Prevention of the syndrome

Preventive measures are an important stage in preventing any diseases. Prevention of fetal distress should be carried out before conception. This means that at the planning stage of pregnancy it is necessary to conduct a complete examination of the parents and cure all existing diseases. In this case, the mother's body will be able to fully cope with the burden imposed on him - the bearing of a healthy baby.

During pregnancy, you must carefully listen to your feelings. It is important to observe the correct mode of sleep and nutrition, give up bad habits, walk a lot and fully rest. Then the baby will not be threatened.

Prevention of distress syndrome of the fetus will avoid unnecessary worries and possible problems with the development and health of the child. That is why during pregnancy it is necessary to carefully monitor your health and well-being.