How to identify foetal distress

Symptoms

Hindrance of movement, unsteady heart beats, lack of oxygen are only a few of the signs and symptoms that cause foetal distress and must be dealt with immediately by a physician.

A baby who suddenly stops moving actively within a mother's uterus usually means that something is wrong and that a doctor should be consulted. Due to the fact that the mother has the foetus within her body 24/7, she is usually the first one to notice that something with her foetus is not in order.

Foetal hypoxia

Foetal hypoxia is perhaps, one of the most common known signs of foetal distress. Foetal hypoxia occurs when the foetus is not getting enough oxygen, in medical terms, doctors call it 'oxygen deprivation'. It can cause a number of complications for the unborn foetus, such as growth inhibition, central nervous system damage and reduction of the newborn's capabilities.

Foetal hypoxia can lead to irreversible effects on the unborn foetus and must be diagnosed and remedied quickly.

The American Heritage Medical Dictionary

There are certain birth complications that can take place during the delivery of the baby. The foetus can suffer from a prolapsed umbilical cord. According to The American Heritage Medical Dictionary, a prolapsed umbilical cord occurs when the umbilical cord appears before the foetus during delivery, leading to a compression of the cord between the presenting part of the foetus and the maternal pelvis, which could lead to foetal death.

Nuchal cord

Another umbilical cord abnormality is the nuchal cord, which could be wrapped around the neck of the foetus at the time of delivery. This can cause choking, which also could lead to foetal death.

Prenatal ultrasound

It is encouraging to see the advancement in technology with the prenatal ultrasound. The developments of the ultrasound in the prenatal area are making it possible to diagnose the conditions of the umbilical cord in the uterus before delivery and thus, relieves foetal distress for the yet unborn foetus.