Signs of Fetal Distress
There are several signs that may indicate your baby is in distress in the womb. Some of the most common signs include:
Decreased fetal movement: If you notice a sudden decrease in your baby's movement, this could be a sign that your baby is in distress.
Abnormal heart rate patterns: If your baby's heart rate is not within the normal range, it could be a sign of fetal distress.
Changes in amniotic fluid levels: If the levels of amniotic fluid in your uterus are too low, it could be a sign of fetal distress.
Changes in the baby's position: If your baby changes position in the womb, this could be a sign of fetal distress.
Diagnosing Fetal Distress
If you suspect that your baby is in distress in the womb, your doctor may order tests to diagnose the problem. Some of the tests include:
Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to check the baby's heart rate and other vital signs.
Amniocentesis: This test involves removing a small sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus to check for signs of infection or other problems.
Fetal heart monitoring: This test monitors the baby's heart rate and can help detect signs of fetal distress.
Treating Fetal Distress
If your baby is in distress, your doctor may recommend treatments to help improve your baby's condition. Some of the treatments include:
Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to help improve your baby's condition.
Fetal surgery: If your baby needs surgery, your doctor may recommend a fetal surgery to help improve your baby's condition.
Fetal monitoring: Your doctor may recommend regular fetal monitoring to check for signs of fetal distress.
Delivery: If your baby's condition is too severe, your doctor may recommend delivering the baby to improve their condition.