Specialty obstetrics ICD-9-CM 768.2-768.4 MeSH D005316 | ICD-10 O68 DiseasesDB 4882 | |
In medicine (obstetrics), the term fetal distress refers to the presence of signs in a pregnant woman—before or during childbirth—that suggest that the fetus may not be well. Because of its lack of precision, the term is eschewed in modern American obstetrics.
Contents
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 situationthrough the implementation of intrauterine resuscitation. 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.