What are the symptoms of fetal hypoxia?

The baby relies on the mother's umbilical cord to breathe in the belly, so will the baby be short of oxygen? The answer is of course yes. The baby's development is related to oxygen. Today, let's talk about the symptoms of baby's lack of oxygen.

Symptoms of fetal hypoxia

1. Losing your temper

Clinical studies have confirmed that fetal hypoxia is the main cause of fetal death, neonatal disease or death, and mental retardation in children. Although there are many modern instruments and equipment that can monitor fetal hypoxia, it is difficult for pregnant women to receive medical care at all times, so some fetal hypoxia cannot be discovered and corrected in time. However, fetuses will also send out distress signals in the early stages of hypoxia, and their performance is "tantrums", which should attract the attention of pregnant women.

2. Changes in fetal movement

Fetal movement is a normal physiological activity of the fetus, and pregnant women at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy can feel it. Fetal movement varies for different fetuses. Generally, the movements of quiet fetuses are gentler and less frequent; the movements of excited fetuses are larger and more frequent. If an originally lively fetus suddenly becomes quiet, or an originally quiet fetus suddenly becomes restless, and the fetal movement is less than 10 times/12 hours or more than 40 times/12 hours, it indicates that the fetus may be suffering from intrauterine hypoxia. This is because the fetus reduces oxygen consumption or hypoxia affects the central nervous system. Pregnant women can count fetal movements in a sitting or lying position, counting for 1 hour each at a fixed time in the morning, noon, and evening every day. Add up the 3 times and multiply by 4, which is the number of fetal movements in 12 hours.

3. Abnormal fetal heart rate

The normal fetal heart rate is regular and strong, 120-160 times per minute. If the fetus is in a normal position, it is on the left or right side of the pregnant woman's lower abdomen, where the fetal back is located. The husband can listen to it with the help of simple instruments. Before the fetal movement decreases, the fetal heart rate is too frequent. If it exceeds 160 beats/minute, it is a signal of early fetal hypoxia. If the fetal movement decreases or stops, and the fetal heart rate is less than 120 beats/minute, it is a late stage of fetal hypoxia. The position for listening to the fetal heart rate should be at the place designated by the doctor, but it should be noted that if the fetal heart rate is normal, it should be listened to again after 20 minutes; if the fetal heart rate is fast, it should be listened to again when there is no fetal movement.

4. Growth stops

Fetal hypoxia

Fetal growth will also slow down after hypoxia. The growth of the fetus can be measured by measuring the height of the uterine fundus (the distance from the top of the pubic symphysis to the highest point of the uterine fundus). Under normal circumstances, it should increase by about 1 cm per week after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant women can measure it regularly at home or in the hospital. If there is no growth for 2 weeks, further examination should be done.

Fetal distress is when the fetus has signs of hypoxia in the uterus that endangers the health and life of the fetus. Fetal distress is a complex symptom and is currently one of the main indications for cesarean section. Fetal distress mainly occurs during labor and can also occur in late pregnancy. Fetal distress that occurs during labor can be a continuation and aggravation of the condition that occurs in late pregnancy.

Fetal distress is not only a common cause of neonatal asphyxia and even death, but can also cause neonatal nervous system lesions and abnormal intellectual development in the future. Therefore, active diagnosis, treatment and care of fetal distress are of great significance to reducing perinatal mortality, improving prognosis and promoting eugenics.

Harm of fetal hypoxia

Fetal intrauterine hypoxia may cause the umbilical cord around the neck, turbid amniotic fluid, and external pressure may cause neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, birth injury, and affect development, etc. The brain tissue of a full-term fetus is even more sensitive to hypoxia. Once hypoxia occurs, it is easy to cause brain edema and ischemia, and in severe cases, even brain tissue necrosis and other consequences.