Fetal Distress Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
In the womb, the fetus gets nutrients and oxygen from the mother through the placenta. Fetal distress is a condition of lack of oxygen or lack of nutritional intake in the womb. In the medical world, this condition is also known as fetal distress.
This condition can occur before delivery (antepartum period) or during labor (intrapartum period). Fetal distress is an emergency condition that can endanger the life of the fetus so it requires immediate treatment.
Symptom
Symptoms of fetal distress are not always recognized by pregnant women. A recognizable sign is reduced fetal movement. If the fetus, which was actively moving in the womb, suddenly has a drastic decrease in movement, this indicates a change in fetal movement.
In addition to the signs mentioned above, the size of the stomach can also be considered. Shrinking belly size can also be a sign. However, this is actually quite subjective.
Reason
This fetal distress condition is based on a disturbance in the placenta. In fact, the placenta is in charge of delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. However, in this condition, the placenta does not work as it should, or medically it is called placental insufficiency. There are several causes of placental insufficiency, including disorders of the mother’s blood vessels, infections in the uterus, twists of the umbilical cord, and so on.
The following maternal conditions are also more susceptible to experiencing fetal distress:
• Have a history of stillbirth in the womb
• Have a history of pregnancy with a growth retarded fetus
• Lack of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Twin pregnancy
• Hypertension and preeclampsia
• Obesity
• Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pregnancy over time
• Pregnant women aged 40 years and over
Diagnosis
Fetal distress can be identified by a doctor through the following examinations:
• Doppler ultrasound examination. This examination can be used to detect the fetal heart rate (FHR). Normal FHR ranges from 120–160. In fetal distress, FHR less than 120 beats/minute or 160 beats/minute.
• Examination cardiotocography (CTG). This examination shows the DJJ’s response to fetal movements and uterine contractions. This examination can detect fetal distress earlier than Doppler ultrasound.
• Fetal biometry. Fetal biometry examination is measured by ultrasound. If the results of the biometric examination show that the size of the fetus is smaller than it should be, this could indicate a placental disorder that underlies the occurrence of fetal distress.
Treatment
Treatment for fetal distress depends on the disease that caused it, gestational age, and fetal weight. But in general, if a fetal distress occurs, as much as possible the doctor will terminate the pregnancy, by means of a cesarean section or induction of labor. This should be done as much as possible within 1 hour after fetal distress is detected.
If fetal distress causes the baby to inhale meconium (newborn feces), immediately after the baby is born, the doctor must immediately clean the baby’s respiratory tract. This action can be done with a suction device and installing a breathing apparatus (ventilator) if needed.
Prevention
Some cases of fetal distress can be detected early. Therefore, to prevent it, pregnant women should carry out routine controls to the doctor by bringing a control book so that the pregnancy can be monitored properly.