Fetal distress

Fetal distress
Classification and external resources
Specialty obstetrics
ICD-10 O68
ICD-9-CM 768.2-768.4
DiseasesDB 4882
MeSH D005316

In medicine (obstetrics), the term fetal distress refers to the presence of signs in a pregnant woman[1]before or during childbirththat suggest that the fetus may not be well. Because of its lack of precision, the term is eschewed in modern American obstetrics.[2]

Signs and symptoms

Generally it is preferable to describe specific signs in lieu of declaring fetal distress that include:

Some of these signs are more reliable predictors of fetal compromise than others. For example, cardiotocography can give high false positive rates, even when interpreted by highly experienced medical personnel. Metabolic acidosis is a more reliable predictor, but is not always available.

Causes

There are many causes of "fetal distress" including:

Treatment

Instead of referring to "fetal distress" current recommendations hold to look for more specific signs and symptoms, assess them, and take the appropriate steps to remedy the situation[2]through the implementation of intrauterine resuscitation.[3] Traditionally the diagnosis of "fetal distress" led the obstetrician to recommend rapid delivery by instrumental delivery or by caesarean section if vaginal delivery is not advised.

References

  1. Fetal Distress at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
  2. 1 2 ACOG. "Committee Opinion, Number 326, December 2005: Inappropriate Use of the Terms Fetal Distress and Birth Asphyxia.". Retrieved June 9, 2010.
  3. Simpson PhD, RNC, Kathleen Rice; Garite MD, Thomas (March 2011). "Intrauterine Resuscitation During Labor". Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 54 (1): 28–39. doi:10.1097/GRF.0b013e31820a062b.
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