Contact Me for a Free Consultation 443-845-1456

Our Blog

Fetal Distress Guide: What is Fetal Distress, Signs & Legal Advice

Posted by Frank Spector | Aug 16, 2024

woman holding her bump with dog on the floor

We understand how distressing it can be to worry about your baby's well-being during pregnancy. Recognizing the signs of fetal distress in the womb is a must for ensuring their safety.

This guide will help you identify these critical signs and understand what steps to take next. We'll also provide insights on seeking legal advice if you encounter complications due to medical mismanagement.

Our goal is to support you every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most—your baby's health and your peace of mind.

What is fetal distress?

Fetal distress occurs when the baby shows signs of distress during pregnancy or labor, often due to insufficient oxygen through the placenta or conditions like placenta previa. This condition may result from complications like abnormal fetal heart rate patterns or decreased fetal movement and requires immediate medical attention to protect both mother and baby.

Is fetal tachycardia dangerous?

Fetal tachycardia, where the fetal heart rate exceeds 160 beats per minute, can be a sign of fetal distress and may indicate complications. While it isn't always dangerous, it can lead to serious issues if not promptly addressed by medical professionals, making careful monitoring essential during pregnancy and delivery.

We can help if you suffered a birth injury due to fetal distress

If you or your baby had a birth injury because of fetal distress, we're here to help. We know these cases can be complicated, but we're committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to a Maryland birth injury attorney from our law firm today for a free consultation.

Signs of fetal distress

It's important to recognize the signs your baby is in distress in the womb. Identifying these early can help ensure timely medical intervention. Here are some key indicators that may suggest risk of fetal distress during pregnancy:

  • Abnormal fetal heart rate
  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Unusual changes in fetal activity
  • Excessive or decreased amniotic fluid volume
  • Spotting or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

Signs of fetal distress during labor

Fetal distress signs during labor are essential to identify for the safety of the baby and the health of the mother. Recognizing these signs early can lead to prompt intervention and better outcomes. 

Here are the key indicators of fetal distress during labor:

  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Excessive bleeding or discharge
  • Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
  • Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
  • Prolonged or abnormal contractions

Baby heart rate 200 during labor

A baby's heart rate of 200 beats per minute during labor is abnormal and may be one of the warning signs of fetal distress. This high rate could indicate insufficient oxygen during pregnancy or labor. It's essential for medical professionals to quickly assess and address the situation to ensure the baby's safety.

Baby heart rate of 180 during labor: what does it mean?

A baby's heart rate of 180 beats per minute during labor is above the normal range and may indicate term fetal distress. This high rate could suggest the baby is under stress or not getting enough oxygen. Healthcare providers must quickly assess and address this to ensure the baby's safety.

A normal fetal heart rate should be between 110 and 160 beats per minute. When the rate exceeds 160, it can signal potential issues. A heart rate of 180 beats per minute could be a response to several factors, including:

  • Uterine contractions
  • Maternal fever
  • Medication

While sometimes transient, consistently high rates need closer evaluation.

Baby heart rate dropped to 70 during labor

A drop to 70 beats per minute is well below the normal range and may cause fetal distress during labor and delivery. Such a low heart rate might occur due to issues like umbilical cord compression, uterine contractions, or the baby is not receiving oxygen.

Baby heart rate dropped to 60 during labor

When a baby's heart rate drops to 60 beats per minute during labor, it could lead to fetal distress. Common causes include severe umbilical cord compression, which limits blood flow. Immediate steps need to be taken, like changing the mother's position, giving extra oxygen, or increasing fluids.

Why does a baby's heart rate drop during a contraction?

A baby's heart rate may drop during a contraction due to pressure on the umbilical cord, which can limit blood flow and oxygen. This drop is often temporary and normal, but persistent decreases might indicate distress. Monitoring is essential to ensure prompt medical attention if needed.

While a temporary drop in heart rate during a contraction can be normal, significant or prolonged decreases might indicate potential problems. If the heart rate remains low or decreases further, it may suggest issues such as severe cord compression, placental insufficiency, or other complications that affect oxygen supply.

Does the baby heart rate decrease closer to delivery?

It is common for a baby's heart rate to fluctuate as delivery approaches. A gradual decrease in the heart rate closer to delivery can occur due to the baby's position and the increased pressure from contractions. While some variation is normal, significant or persistent decreases should be monitored closely.  

If you need expert legal advice for medical malpractice resulting from pregnancy and labor, get in touch with us today.

What causes fetal distress?

As labor progresses and delivery nears, changes in a baby's heart rate can occur. Here's how different fetal distress causes affect the heart rate:

  • Normal variability: A gradual decrease in heart rate may be normal as the baby approaches delivery. This can be part of the body's natural adjustment to the birthing process.
  • Umbilical cord compression: As the baby moves down the birth canal, the umbilical cord may experience compression, temporarily reducing heart rate and affecting oxygen delivery.
  • Low amniotic fluid: Decreased amniotic fluid levels can lead to umbilical cord compression and restrict the baby's movement, potentially impacting the heart rate.
  • Placental abruption: If the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, it can disrupt blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby, causing changes in heart rate.
  • Preeclampsia: This condition, often associated with weight gain, can affect blood flow to the placenta, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrients for the baby, which may impact heart rate.
  • Anemia: If the baby has anemia, it may struggle to get enough oxygen, leading to a lower heart rate.
  • Uterine rupture: A tear in the uterus can disrupt blood flow and affect the baby's heart rate, requiring immediate attention.
  • Arrested labor: Prolonged or stalled labor can stress the baby and affect the heart rate due to reduced oxygenation and increased pressure on the umbilical cord.
  • Fetal growth restriction: Babies who are not growing properly may have compromised oxygen supply, potentially leading to heart rate abnormalities.
  • Meconium: The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid can indicate fetal distress and may impact heart rate if it leads to respiratory complications.

Reasons for low fetal heart rate in the third trimester

A low fetal heart rate in the third trimester can indicate potential issues. Common causes of fetal distress include umbilical cord compression, which restricts blood flow to the fetus and can contribute to birth asphyxia and placental insufficiency, where the placenta fails to supply enough oxygen and nutrients. Both can lead to decreased fetal heart rate and require medical attention.

How they diagnose a baby in distress

Diagnosing a baby in distress involves carefully checking the baby's heart rate and other signs during labor. Doctors use different tools to keep an eye on the baby's well-being and spot any trouble. One important method is continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, which helps identify unusual heart rate patterns that might signal distress.

Baby heart rate of 170: is that too high?

A baby's heart rate of 170 beats per minute can be a cause for concern. While normal fetal heart rates range from 110 to 160 beats per minute, rates consistently above this range may indicate potential issues.

Elevated heart rates could signal fetal distress, potentially due to factors like reduced oxygen levels, maternal fever, or infection. Continuous monitoring and further evaluation of the fetal status are essential to determine the cause and ensure appropriate medical intervention.

pregnant holding bump with one hand on top and one under

How to manage distress and a high fetal heart rate

When dealing with fetal distress and a high heart rate, doctors take several steps to keep the fetus safe. They'll closely monitor the baby to figure out what's causing the high heart rate.

Common actions include:

  • Providing fluids to help with blood flow
  • Giving extra oxygen to improve the baby's oxygen levels
  • Changing the mother's position to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord

If these steps don't help, doctors might use medications to control contractions or consider an emergency cesarean section to ensure a safe delivery.

Are there long-term effects of a fetal distress heart rate?

A high fetal heart rate and distress during labor might have long-term effects, depending on how severe and how long the distress lasted. If the baby gets prompt and proper care, there might be no lasting issues.

However, severe or prolonged distress could raise the risk of complications like developmental delays or other health concerns, such as brain injury, cerebral palsy or even stillbirth.

Regular follow-ups and monitoring after birth help ensure the baby's healthy development and address any potential issues early on.

Need legal advice after a birth medical mismanagement? We can help!

If you think may have a medical malpractice case during birth and need legal help, we're here to support you. We know how tricky these cases can be and are committed to getting you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation to talk about your situation and your options.

Our conclusion

Knowing how to handle fetal distress is key to keeping both you and your baby safe. Here are some important points the baby may benefit from:

  • Timely monitoring: Regularly check the baby's heart rate and respond to any abnormal patterns promptly.
  • Intervention strategies: Be aware of common interventions such as repositioning the mother, providing oxygen, and increasing fluids.
  • Long-term considerations: Prolonged or severe distress may have potential long-term effects, so continuous monitoring and follow-up care are essential.
  • Legal support: If you face complications due to medical mismanagement during birth, seeking legal advice can help you understand your rights and options.

By following these steps, you can better manage fetal distress and aim for a healthier outcome.

About the Author

Frank Spector

Welcome to my profile page. Choosing a lawyer is a big decision. Here is some information so you can get to know me better. I am the third generation of lawyers in my family. I saw how lawyers can help people get justice for their injuries. So for over 30 years, I have helped those injured by m...

Contact Me Today

Frank Spector Law is committed to answering your questions about Medical Malpractice, Birth Injury - Cerebral Palsy, Birth Injury - Erb's Palsy, Birth Injury - Development Delay, Wrongful Death, Surgical Errors, Emergency Room Malpractice, Misdiagnosis, Medication Errors, and Nursing Home Neglect law issues in Maryland.

I offer a Free Consultation and I'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact me today to schedule an appointment.

OFFICE LOCATION

By Appointment Only
1340 Smith Avenue,
Suite 300
Baltimore, MD 21209


Please call to schedule an appointment

443-845-1456

Menu