Fetal distress

[4] It is characterized by changes in fetal movement, growth, heart rate, and presence of meconium stained fluid.

[1][5][4] Specifically, heart rate decelerations detected on CTG can represent danger to the fetus and to delivery.

[6] This can involve improving the position, hydration, and oxygenation of the mother, as well as amnioinfusion to restore sufficient amniotic fluid, delaying preterm labor contractions with tocolysis, and correction of fetal acid-base balance.

[1] Instead of referring to "fetal distress", current recommendations hold to look for more specific signs and symptoms, assess them, and take the appropriate steps to remedy the situation[1] through the implementation of intrauterine resuscitation.

The algorithm steps include: clearing the airways and warming, stimulating, and drying the baby, positive-pressure ventilation (PPV), supplementary oxygen, intubation, chest compressions, and pharmacological therapy.