Foetal distress

Question 1

Liquor colour

Answer 1

Meconium stained liquor (pea soup) = sign of foetal distress –> 4 x perinatal mortality

Foetus may aspirate and/or become hypoxic

Question 2

FHR auscultation

Answer 2

Used in low risk pregnancies - held for 60 seconds after contraction

Every 15 mins during 1st stage
Every 5 mins during second stage

Question 3

Foetal blood sampling

Answer 3

Metal tube (amnioscope) inserted into vagina and cervix (must be 3cm dilated) - small cut made and blood collected via microtuve

pH and base excess monitored

Question 4

FBS pH values

Answer 4

>7.25 = normal
7.2-.25 = borderline
<7.2 = hypoxic --> DELIVER

Question 5

DR C BRAVADO

Answer 5

DR = are there any risk factors

C = contractions per 10 mins (>5 = hyperstimulation)

BR = baseline rate (110-160)
A = accelerations present?
D = Decelerations
O = overall assessment (reassuring, non-reassuring, abnormal)

If non-reassuring.abnormal - take a foetal blood sample

Question 6

Decelerations on CTG

Answer 6

Early = not concerning
Late = concerning (foetal hypoxia)

Variable:
Typical - <60s + <60bpm
Atypical - >60s + >60bpm

NB. There should not be ANY decelerations before labour