The period of pregnancy is the most exciting and important for a woman. Throughout the entire period, it is important to know that the baby is fully developing and feeling good. Any disturbance may indicate the presence of fetal distress. To diagnose fetal distress syndrome, CTG and ultrasound are necessary. According to the survey, it will be seen whether the baby has a heartbeat, decreased activity or the presence of special reactions to contractions.
Deciphering the term
The term "fetal distress" implies the presence of hypoxia (oxygen starvation) in the baby. As a result, there is a rapid development of deviations in almost all vital systems. The most affected are the brain, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In some cases, fetal distress requires immediate delivery.
Intrauterine hypoxia can develop under the influence of external adverse factors (poor ecology and living conditions, poor nutrition or a pregnant woman’s lifestyle). They significantly worsen blood flow from the uterus to the placenta, as a result of which the fetus does not receive enough oxygen and other substances necessary for the development of substances.
About twenty percent of women (of the total number of pregnant women) are diagnosed with fetal distress.
Varieties of the syndrome
Depending on the period of development, distress is distinguished:
- during pregnancy;
- during childbirth.
It is important to note that the diagnosis made at an early date carries more threats to the baby’s life than the syndrome that developed after 30 weeks, since a caesarean section is possible during this period.
- The development of distress in the first trimester leads to a violation of the development of vital systems and spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).
- Fetal distress in the second trimester provokes a delay in the development of the baby, miscarriage, fading, premature birth.
- The syndrome that occurs during childbirth requires great attention from doctors. The second stage of childbirth is the most dangerous period, therefore, if distress occurs, an emergency caesarean section is necessary.
If the fetus is too low in the uterus, the second stage of labor is accelerated using perineotomy or vacuum extraction.
Stages of Syndrome Syndrome
Fetal distress syndrome is also classified according to the severity of the course in relation to the child. Distinguish:
- Compensation stage: its duration is about 3-4 weeks. Causes hypoxia, developmental retardation. Represents chronic distress.
- Subcompensation stage - lasts several days, causes severe hypoxia, requires quick medical intervention.
- Stage of decompensation - characterized by the presence of fetal asphyxiation (asphyxiation), requires immediate surgical intervention.
Fetal antenatal distress has serious consequences for the baby’s life. Hypoxia or asphyxia have a negative effect on the subsequent vitality of the child. In the most severe cases, the baby may die. Quick and qualified medical help will help minimize all the consequences of the syndrome.
Causes of fetal distress during pregnancy
It is quite difficult to indicate the exact cause of the syndrome. Most often, a combination of several factors has an effect. Maternal health is the most important in this matter. In the presence of the following diseases, a diagnosis of hypoxia can be made:
- metabolic problems (obesity, diabetes);
- kidney disease
- problems in the work of the cardiovascular system (hypertension, heart disease, rheumatism);
- liver diseases (viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure);
- blood pathology (clotting problems, anemia).
Also, a great influence on the intrauterine state of the fetus has:
- multiple pregnancy ;
- premature detachment or heart attack of the placenta;
- wrong lifestyle (alcohol, smoking, drugs);
- preeclampsia;
- infectious diseases (rubella, cytomegalovirus);
- pathology at the genetic level.
The appearance of such a sign as distress syndrome is also affected by the intake of certain medications.
Delivery distress
Oxygen starvation during labor is caused by short-term compression of the myometrium (there are blood vessels in it) during the bout. As a result, the fetus does not receive enough oxygenated blood, and hypoxia develops. If the pregnancy period went smoothly, then slight oxygen starvation in the active stage of childbirth will not harm the baby and his health.
The following factors can cause fetal distress during childbirth:
- premature birth;
- multiple pregnancy;
- a narrow mother's pelvis that does not match the size of the fetal head;
- large fruit;
- weak or rapid labor;
- uterine bleeding as a result of placental abruption.
Fetal distress during childbirth should be clearly monitored in order to provide the necessary assistance in time, if necessary, to minimize the negative consequences for the health of the baby and mother. Most often, this is a cesarean section or fetal vacuum extraction.
Signs of fetal distress
The main manifestation of oxygen starvation is a violation of the heart rhythm. Normally, reductions range from 110-170 beats per minute. They are clearly audible and rhythmic. Violation of the heartbeat during the bout should be restored after it ends.
An important criterion is the nature of the fetal movements. In the passive stage of childbirth, within half an hour, the child should move at least five times. In the active absence of stirring is not a pathology.
It is necessary to know the signs of fetal antenatal distress in order to provide the necessary help at the right time and save the baby's life, as well as minimize all negative manifestations of hypoxia for its further development.
Consequences of the syndrome
Any pathology of the embryogenesis period carries a danger to the child, and fetal distress is no exception. The consequences of this syndrome have a great influence on the state of all body systems. Most affected by:
- heart and circulatory system;
- the brain (pathologies develop, and the central nervous system is disturbed);
- respiratory system;
- excretory system.
Defective functioning of even one of the systems leads to a malfunction in the work of the whole organism.
Diagnostic Methods
During pregnancy and during labor, certain diagnostic tests are performed showing the condition of the fetus:
- Listening to the heartbeat: starting from the 20th week, the gynecologist at each appointment listens to the fetal heart. This allows you to identify any violations in time.
- Activity: within half a day, the child should perform about ten movements. In case of any violations (excessive or, conversely, insufficient activity of the child), it is urgent to inform the doctor about this.
- Indicators of the standing height of the bottom of the uterus and abdominal circumference: thus, gynecologists determine the approximate weight of the fetus. In case of growth retardation, it is also necessary to conduct a survey and find out if there are any developmental delays or pathologies.
Timely diagnosis and qualified help in most cases help to save the baby's life and health.
Syndrome Prevention
An important step in the prevention of any disease is preventative measures. Prevention of fetal distress should be carried out before conception. This means that at the stage of pregnancy planning it is necessary to conduct a complete examination of the parents and cure all existing diseases. In this case, the mother’s body will be able to fully cope with the burden imposed on it - carrying a healthy baby.
During pregnancy, you must carefully listen to your feelings. It is important to observe the correct sleep and nutrition regimen , give up bad habits, walk a lot and have a good rest. Then the baby will not be threatened.
Prevention of fetal distress syndrome will avoid unnecessary worries and possible problems with the development and health of the child. That is why during pregnancy it is necessary to carefully monitor your health and well-being.