How Is Fetal Distress Diagnosed?
Doctors will monitor the wellbeing of the mother and baby throughout the duration of the pregnancy. For example, doctors will remain highly attentive regarding the mother’s blood pressure during her pregnancy and utilize tests such as the ultrasound to measure the baby’s progress. The electric fetal heart monitor is a tool that the doctors use to diagnose fetal distress and can assist with the following:
Monitor Mother’s Contractions
Monitor Baby’s Heart Rate: A baby’s normal heart rate during labor and delivery is between 120-160 bpm.
Monitor the Patterns Generated By The Strips: Doctors and nurses will analyze patterns such as the presence of late decelerations, variability, etc…
Monitor For Signs Of Bradycardia (heart rate less than 110) or tachycardia (heart rate above 160)
With intrauterine resuscitation measures, doctors can treat fetal distress. Listed below are some of the measures. Along with that, if the intrauterine resuscitation attempt fails, or does not resolve themselves, then the doctors must be prepared to conduct an emergency C-section. If failure to do so in a timely manner, it can result in a brain injury, other serious injury, or death.
Lastly, a review of umbilical cord gases and readings from a fetal scalp electrode [1] can also help with a diagnosis of fetal distress.
[1] National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health Diagnosis and management of fetal distress https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41983/
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