fetal distress

Etiology

• respiratory insufficiency, immature fetal lung
• abnormal position & presentation of the fetus
• multiple births
• shoulder dystocia
• umbilical cord prolapse
• nuchal cord
• placental abruption
• premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus
• uterine rupture

Clinical manifestations

• meconium staining of amniotic fluid

Laboratory

• arterial blood gas: metabolic acidosis
• serum lactate: lactic acidosis
• fetal lung maturity assessment

Diagnostic procedures

• pelvic ultrasound
  • monitor fetal heart rate (cardiotocography)
  • assess fetal presentation

More general terms

• pregnancy disorder; obstetric disorder; pregnancy complication

Additional terms

• fetus