How Does Fetal Distress Affect The Birth Process

Fetal distress refers to signs that a baby is not coping well in the womb, often due to reduced oxygen supply. This condition can arise during labour or late in pregnancy and can significantly impact the delivery process.

Understanding the causes, signs, and management of fetal distress is essential for ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby during childbirth.

Fetal distress is a condition in which a baby shows signs of struggling in the womb, often due to insufficient oxygen. This typically occurs during labour but can also develop late in pregnancy.

Causes of fetal distress may include placental issues, umbilical cord prolapse, meconium passage by the baby in utero, or conditions affecting the mother, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. In some cases, a post-mature baby—one who is overdue—may experience fetal distress as the placenta begins to function less effectively.

Prompt recognition and management of fetal distress are essential to avoid complications during birth. Doctors closely monitor for indicators like abnormal fetal distress heart rate patterns and decreased fetal movement, intervening when necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Fetal distress refers to the signs indicating that a baby is not coping well in the womb, particularly due to a lack of oxygen. The common causes of fetal distress include

• Umbilical cord compression or prolapse: The cord may wrap around the baby's neck or become compressed, cutting off oxygen.
• Placental insufficiency: The placenta may not provide enough oxygen or nutrients, especially in cases of post-mature babies.
• Meconium in the amniotic fluid: The baby may pass stool (meconium) in the womb, which is often a sign of distress.
• Maternal health conditions: Conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or infections can disrupt oxygen flow to the baby.

Abnormal Fetal Heart Rate

• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) above 160 bpm or a slow heart rate (bradycardia) below 110 bpm can signal distress.
• Irregular heart patterns, such as late decelerations during contractions, may indicate the baby's struggles.
• A study from the Indian Journal of Paediatrics highlights fetal heart rate abnormalities as key markers of distress.

Decreased Fetal Movement

• Reduced movement may suggest that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen.
• Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid
• If the baby passes stool (meconium) in the womb due to stress, it can pose breathing risks after birth.

Strong or Prolonged Uterine Contractions

• Uterine hyperstimulation (excessively strong contractions) can reduce oxygen supply to the baby.
• This increases the risk of fetal hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).

One of the most reliable indicators of fetal distress is an abnormal heart rate, which is monitored using continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labour. 

These patterns can signal whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen and can help guide timely medical intervention.

• Tachycardia: A fetal heart rate over 160 beats per minute. This may indicate that the baby is under stress or that the mother has a fever or infection.
• Bradycardia: A fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute, suggests that the baby may not receive enough oxygen.
• Late decelerations: A slowing of the heart rate after a contraction, often indicating poor oxygen transfer from the placenta, which requires immediate medical attention.

Consistently monitoring these patterns allows doctors to make informed decisions about managing fetal distress.

Recognising these signs early enables timely medical intervention, ensuring the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Diagnosing fetal distress during labour involves continuous monitoring to ensure the baby’s safety. In India, government hospitals and private maternity centres alike use several methods to assess fetal well-being:

• Electronic fetal heart monitoring: A common practice, where the baby’s heart rate is continuously tracked to detect signs of distress.
• Amniotic fluid analysis: Checking for meconium in amniotic fluid is crucial, as it may indicate stress, particularly in overdue babies.
• Biophysical profile: A combination of ultrasound and heart rate monitoring helps assess the baby’s movements, tone, and overall health, ensuring timely interventions.

This close monitoring is vital for preventing complications and improving neonatal outcomes in India.

Fetal distress can significantly complicate the birth process, often requiring urgent medical interventions to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. When signs of distress such as abnormal heart rates or reduced oxygen supply are detected, immediate action is taken.

Emergency caesarean section (C-section): A C-section is often the first course of action when fetal distress is identified, especially if the baby's oxygen levels are dropping rapidly. This procedure allows for the quickest delivery, preventing complications such as hypoxia, which can lead to long-term developmental issues. 

According to research from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), emergency C-sections have increased in cases of detected fetal distress, ensuring better neonatal outcomes.

Assisted vaginal delivery: If vaginal delivery is possible but the baby shows signs of distress, doctors may use tools such as forceps or a vacuum extractor to expedite delivery. This method helps avoid prolonged labour, which can further stress the baby.

Prompt interventions help reduce risks and improve outcomes for distressed babies during birth.

Fetal distress, if not managed promptly, can lead to various serious complications for the baby. These complications are often linked to reduced oxygen supply and stress during labour. Timely medical intervention is crucial to prevent long-term health issues or even life-threatening outcomes for the newborn.
 

Recognising fetal distress early can help prevent these complications through timely interventions such as emergency C-sections.

Prompt intervention is essential to safeguard both mother and baby when fetal distress occurs. Here’s how doctors manage the situation:

Repositioning the Mother

Changing the mother's position—such as turning her onto her side or elevating her legs—can improve blood flow to the placenta, increasing oxygen supply to the baby.

Oxygen & IV Fluids

Administering oxygen helps ensure the baby receives enough. IV fluids may also be given to improve circulation and reduce fetal stress.

Emergency C-Section (If Needed)

If initial measures don’t resolve distress, a C-section may be the fastest and safest option to prevent complications like hypoxia or stillbirth.

Quick response is especially critical in high-risk pregnancies, ensuring the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

When fetal distress is detected, quick and effective treatment is crucial to ensure the baby’s safety. Several options are available to manage and relieve fetal distress, depending on the severity and stage of labour.

• Maternal repositioning: Adjusting the mother’s position can increase the oxygen supply to the baby.
• Oxygen therapy: The mother may be given oxygen to increase the baby’s oxygen levels.
• Intravenous fluids: Administering fluids to the mother can help improve circulation and reduce the baby’s stress.
• Medications: In some cases, medications can slow labour or reduce contractions.
• Emergency C-section: If the distress continues, immediate delivery by C-section may be the safest option.

These interventions are implemented swiftly to mitigate the risks associated with fetal distress.

Fetal distress is a serious condition that can affect the birth process and the health of both mother and baby. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to prevent complications such as hypoxia, stillbirth, or developmental issues.

Monitoring key signs like abnormal heart rate patterns and decreased fetal movement allows doctors to act swiftly. Understanding and addressing fetal distress quickly ensures safer deliveries and better outcomes for both the mother and baby, especially in high-risk pregnancies.