Summary about Disease
Fetal distress, also known as non-reassuring fetal status, is a sign that a fetus is not receiving enough oxygen during labor or delivery. It's a general term indicating the fetus might be in danger and requires immediate evaluation and potential intervention to prevent serious complications.
Symptoms
Changes in fetal heart rate (too fast, too slow, or irregular)
Decreased fetal movement
Meconium (fetal stool) in the amniotic fluid
Causes
Umbilical cord compression
Placental insufficiency (the placenta isn't delivering enough oxygen and nutrients)
Maternal medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes)
Uterine rupture
Prolonged labor
Fetal anemia
Infection
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used There is no medication to directly treat fetal distress. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and may include:
Oxygen administration to the mother: To increase oxygen levels in the mother's blood, which can then be passed on to the fetus.
Intravenous fluids to the mother: To improve blood volume and circulation.
Tocolytic medications: To slow down or stop contractions if the cause is related to uterine overstimulation.
Is Communicable
Fetal distress itself is not communicable. It is a condition arising from issues affecting the fetus's environment or the mother's health. However, if the fetal distress is caused by a maternal infection, then the infection itself might be communicable.
Precautions
Regular prenatal care: Attending all scheduled appointments allows for monitoring of maternal and fetal health.
Management of maternal medical conditions: Controlling conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Avoidance of risk factors: Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drug use during pregnancy.
Fetal monitoring during labor: Continuous or intermittent monitoring to detect early signs of fetal distress.
Prompt medical attention: Reporting any unusual symptoms, such as decreased fetal movement, to a healthcare provider immediately.
How long does an outbreak last?
Fetal distress is not an "outbreak." It is an acute event that occurs during labor and delivery or shortly before. It is a single incident, not a widespread phenomenon.
How is it diagnosed?
Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): Continuous or intermittent monitoring of the fetal heart rate.
Fetal scalp stimulation: Assessing fetal heart rate response to stimulation.
Fetal scalp blood sampling: Measuring the pH of the fetal blood to assess oxygenation.
Amniocentesis: to determine if meconium is present.
Timeline of Symptoms
9. Timeline of symptoms Fetal distress symptoms do not follow a set timeline, they can arise suddenly. The duration can vary from minutes to hours depending on the underlying cause and how quickly it is addressed. There isn't a typical "progression" as it's often a rapid-onset situation.
Important Considerations
Fetal distress is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention.
The goal is to identify and address the underlying cause to improve fetal oxygenation.
Management may involve interventions such as changing the mother's position, administering oxygen, or performing a cesarean section.
Early detection and timely intervention are crucial to minimizing the risk of long-term complications for the baby.
The specific management plan will depend on the gestational age of the fetus, the severity of the distress, and the overall clinical picture.