Fetal distress occurs when the fetal heart is unable to provide sufficient blood flow to nourish the tissues of various organs. Doctor To Thi Hong Nhung of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi says that if fetal distress is not detected and treated promptly, it can lead to serious brain problems due to localized lack of oxygen and even fetal death. Fetal distress can occur at any point during pregnancy. Here are the typical signs.

Changes in fetal heart rate

A healthy fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute and can vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the fetus's activity. A fetal heart rate faster than 160 beats per minute in the early stages, or slower than 120 beats per minute, is a sign of oxygen deprivation and a warning of potential fetal distress. Expectant mothers can monitor the fetal heart rate using electronic fetal monitoring at a medical facility to assess the fetal heart and promptly detect any abnormal heart rate from the 28th week of pregnancy.

Decreased or absent fetal movement

In a healthy pregnancy, the mother should feel at least 4 fetal movements within 30 minutes or more than 10 movements within 2 hours. These movements should occur regularly. If the fetus does not move for an extended period, it is possible that the fetus has died.

Doctor Nhung advises expectant mothers to pay attention to the number of fetal movements. The mother can lie still on the bed and count the number of fetal movements. If the fetus moves fewer than 10 times within 4 hours, the mother should immediately go to a medical facility for examination.

A doctor advises regular check-ups and monitoring for pregnant women. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A doctor advises regular check-ups and monitoring for pregnant women. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Green amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid that is green, bloody, or red is often a warning sign of fetal distress. According to Doctor Nhung, normal amniotic fluid is clear or slightly milky white (in the early stages of pregnancy) and gradually turns cloudy white like rice water as the fetus grows (around the 38th week). If vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid leakage is detected, especially if the amniotic fluid is red or green, the mother should immediately go to a medical facility for examination.

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is a sign of labor when the pregnancy is full-term, but it can also be a symptom of threatened miscarriage or premature labor. Some typical signs of abdominal pain that warn of fetal distress include severe abdominal pain, cramping pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, meconium in the amniotic fluid, decreased or erratic fetal movement. Doctor Nhung recommends that expectant mothers monitor abdominal pain for prompt management.

Vaginal bleeding

Heavy vaginal bleeding can be a warning sign of fetal distress. The blood can range from bright red to dark brown, with or without lower abdominal pain or cramps. Depending on the gestational age and the cause of fetal distress, the doctor will decide on an appropriate course of action, such as close monitoring at the hospital, medication, emergency intervention, or termination of the pregnancy to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

To prevent fetal distress, expectant mothers should have regular prenatal check-ups to monitor their health and the development of the fetus. They should eat a nutritious diet, get adequate rest, and avoid prolonged anxiety and stress. Absolutely no smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy. If there are any unusual signs, they should immediately go to a medical facility for prompt management. In the final months of pregnancy, mothers should lie on their left side to ensure good blood flow to the fetus.

Hang Tran