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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
Special laboratory:
- pelvic ultrasound
- monitor fetal heart rate (cardiotocography)
- assess fetal presentation
Related
fetus
General
pregnancy disorder; obstetric disorder; pregnancy complication
References
- Wikipedia: fetal distress
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_distress