Foetal distress

There are several possible reasons why the baby may become distressed during labour; these include:

• A lack of oxygen: this is the most common cause of foetal distress; it usually occurs as a result of the contraction of the uterus cutting the supply of oxygen to the placenta.
• Meconium (this is the baby’s stool, which may become lodged in the amniotic fluid and may subsequently cause problems)
• Problems with the umbilical cord
• Adverse reactions to medication
• Long labour
• Foetal abnormalities
• The general stress of labour
• Infection

Usually, foetal distress is identified by changes in the baby’s heart rate, which is monitored throughout labour. In some cases where the baby is distressed, doctors may advise a caesarean birth as this will mean the baby is delivered quickly.

Possible complications in childbirth:

• Possible complications in childbirth
• Premature Labour
• Causes of Premature Labour
• What Should I do if I go into Premature Labour?
• What will happen at the hospital if I am giving birth prematurely?
• What happens after my baby is born?

• Where can I find Support for Premature babies?
• Problems with the umbilical cord
• Foetal distress
• Problems with the placenta
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• The Neonatal Unit