fetal hypoxia Flashcards
if fetal hypoxia is left untreated what is the end result ?
metabolic acidemia
what are the causes of fetal hypoxia ?
maternal causes
cord compression causes
placental causes
prolonged fetal head compression
what are the risk factors for fetal hypoxia that may happen during labour?
oxytocin augmentation hypertonic uterus epidural analgesia vaginal bleeding maternal pyrexia new or fresh meconium
how do we monitor during labour ?
asses fetal heart rate and pattern through CTG
identify any factors such as bleeding meconium, pyrexia which may affect the fetus
what factors need to be assessed when approaching a CTG?
define risk frequency of uterine contractions baseline rate baseline variability accelerations decelerations
in cases where the fetus is hypoxic what investigation can be carried out ?
fetal blood sampling
what does fetal blood sampling tell us ?
pH of the baby
what are the contraindications to FBS ?
maternal infection
fetal blood disorders
prematurity
what is the normal ph in FBS ?
more than 7.25
at what ph must delivery be indicated ?
7.20
given that the FBS showed a pH of 7.21-7.24 what is the best next step in management ?
repeat FBS within 30 minutes or consider delivery if rapid fall since last sample
