Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

Can the likelihood of a fetus becoming distressed (i.e. starved of oxygen) be predicted before the onset of labour?

0
Posted

Can the likelihood of a fetus becoming distressed (i.e. starved of oxygen) be predicted before the onset of labour?

0

Fetal distress in labour is a major cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. In 2006 the Chief Medical Officer wrote in his report: “For the last five years around 500 babies started labour apparently healthy and then died during or just after birth.” He goes on to highlight the need for further research. The traditional answer to this problem is to focus on placental problems and prematurity, however, recent tests at the University indicate that the uterine contractions are an important contributor to fetal distress. The team recorded higher than expected contraction strength in labours where the fetus became distressed. Very strong contractions occlude the blood vessels travelling through the myometrium that feed the placenta and fetus, meaning less oxygen can be delivered. The researchers concluded that this condition is inherent to the mother and is not caused by external or variable factors. Further research is required to reveal a way of identifying women whose uterus

Related Questions

Thanksgiving questions

*Sadly, we had to bring back ads too. Hopefully more targeted.