![]() ![]() The qualitative assessment is fairly subjective. The amount of amniotic fluid can be determined using a variety of ultrasound methods, including a qualitative assessment, the single deepest pocket (SDP), and the amniotic fluid index (AFI). Polyhydramnios can also cause oxygen deprivation and subsequent birth injuries. ![]() If there is an abnormally high amniotic fluid volume, this is known as polyhydramnios. A trending decrease in amniotic fluid may also warn of oligohydramnios, and should be watched closely. If there is abnormally low amniotic fluid, this is a condition called oligohydramnios, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and birth injuries like HIE and cerebral palsy (CP). The amount of amniotic fluid can also be an indication of fetal distress. Pitocin can cause uterine tachysystole (excessively strong, frequent, or long contractions), which can severely restrict oxygen flow to the baby and sometimes leads to uterine rupture. It is important to note that there are certain risks associated with this medication. If conducting a CST on a woman not yet in labor, the physician may give her Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin), to make the uterus contract. During a CST, physicians record the baby’s heart rate in response to contractions. A healthy baby can tolerate this temporary restriction, but it may be very dangerous for a baby in distress. Uterine contractions temporarily restrict oxygen flow. Requiring further testing and possibly deliveryĪ CST helps predict how the baby will cope during the labor process and determines whether it is safe to proceed with a vaginal delivery.Physicians may also classify NST results into these categories: “Non-reactive” means that the baby’s heart rate did not increase enough at times during the test. A normal NST is called “reactive,” meaning that the baby’s heart rate went up and down as expected. ĭuring an NST, a medical professional looks at how the baby’s heart rate changes when the fetus moves. In addition to fetal monitoring, an abnormal fetal heart rate may be recognized in a non-stress test (NST) or a contraction stress test (CST). Late returns to the baseline heart rate after a contraction (late decelerations).Abrupt decreases in heart rate (variable decelerations).An abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia).An abnormally fast heart rate (tachycardia).The following fetal heart rate patterns are examples of nonreassuring patterns and warrant further investigation and/or medical intervention: ![]() Some variability in heart rate is to be expected and shows as a jagged line on the monitor. In a healthy labor and delivery, the baby’s heart rate will drop slightly during a contraction, and quickly return to normal once the contraction is over. External monitoring is done through a belt-like device that can be strapped around a mother’s abdomen, while internal monitoring involves attaching an electrode to the baby’s scalp. To observe an unborn baby’s heart rate, medical professionals can use either an external or internal fetal monitoring device. Some fetal heart rate patterns indicate distress. Physicians should ask expectant mothers about fetal movement and conduct additional testing if patterns are abnormal. However, if the baby becomes less active or completely ceases movement, this may be a cause for concern. Regular pauses in movement are normal, such as when babies sleep in the womb. Įxpectant mothers aren’t always with their physician when signs of fetal distress occur, so it’s important to recognize the following signs that indicate a baby is in trouble.Ĭommon Signs of Fetal Distress Decreased Fetal Movement in the Wombīeyond bringing joy to the family, movement within the womb is an important indicator of the baby’s health. This is usually accomplished by emergency C-section delivery. Often, the only way to stop fetal distress is to deliver a baby, allowing doctors and nurses to administer medical care. They must immediately address and manage fetal distress to avoid serious complications, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and other birth injuries, which can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy (CP). Medical staff should monitor for these signs, among others.
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