Instead, the term “nonreassuring fetal status” has been more commonly used to describe the clinician or doctor’s interpretation of the data related to fetal status. In fetal distress, the baby appears to be lacking adequate oxygen based on fetal heart rate, though the cause may not be known. Birth asphyxia means that the baby is not receiving adequate oxygen during labor or delivery because of an issue like cord compression, placental abruption, or another birth complication.
However, many doctors still use the phrase. Īccording to an American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee Opinion in 2005, the term fetal distress was deemed too confusing, as it was very similar to “birth asphyxia” (2).
If fetal distress goes unmanaged it can lead to more severe injuries such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). When a baby is in distress they may require immediate intervention, such as delivery by C-section or certain methods of intrauterine resuscitation. Fetal distress is an indication that the baby may not be doing well in utero. What is fetal distress?įetal distress, also called “nonreassuring fetal status,” is the term medical professionals use to describe when a fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen during pregnancy or labor (1). Please call 911, your country’s emergency number, or your doctor if you may be having a medical emergency. Disclaimer: We cannot provide treatments or medical advice.