Hypoxia Is a Dangerous Condition for the Fetus, Recognize the Symptoms and Causes

Hypoxia is a situation or situation where the supply of oxygen obtained by the body is inadequate. This is a risky situation because it can have an impact on the brain, liver and other vital organs.

Not only in adults, hypoxia can also affect the fetus. Moreover, this condition can have an adverse effect on the fetus that takes place when the fetal oxygen supply in your percentage is less so that the fetal impact is experiencing a serious situation.

Symptoms of hypoxia in the fetus

Hypoxia which has an impact on the fetal distress can last throughout labor or in the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms of hypoxia in the fetus that can occur, namely:

The fetus rarely moves

When approaching the time of labor, the actual movement of the fetus can change because the fetus has less area in the uterus to move, but the frequency of motion is always the same. Meanwhile, if your fetus becomes less mobile than usual, or moreover does not move very much, it is possible that your fetus is lacking oxygen.

Check in an orderly manner the movement of your fetus. Calculate whether you feel 10 kicks within 2 hours or not. If the fetal kick is not felt, immediately check your percentage at the doctor. This can be fatal for the fetus if you are not immediately aware.

Decreased fetal heart rate

It is very important to monitor your fetal heart rate regularly, so that it confirms that the fetus is well throughout the third trimester of pregnancy and throughout labor. The fetal heart rate must be around 110-160 per minute.

However, if it is less than 110-160 per minute, or even more so it continues to decrease then it can indicate a signal that your fetus is experiencing oxygen deficiency (hypoxia). Decreased heart rate in the fetus can have an impact on things that actually lead to death.

There is meconium (fetal stool) in the amniotic fluid

The presence of meconium (fetal stool) in the amniotic fluid can be an incorrect signal of hypoxia in the fetus. A fetus that lacks oxygen can experience stress until it secretes meconium. However, this issue can also take place if the time of delivery is late until it affects the amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid is mostly clear in color along with a hint of pink, yellow, or red. However, when mixed together with meconium, amniotic fluid can turn brown or green. If meconium that is not thin enters your fetal airways, it can have an impact on breathing problems when a newborn baby is born.

Causes of hypoxia in the fetus

The cause of hypoxia in the fetus is closely related together with the situation which brings the impact of the fetus lacking oxygen. The following causes of hypoxia in the fetus that can occur:

Hypertension or anemia in the mother

Mothers affected by hypertension or anemia can have an impact on the supply of oxygen to the fetus to be reduced. If it is not resolved immediately, this can have an impact on babies experiencing hypoxia so that they are at risk of being born together with a low weight, or moreover stillbirth.

Placental abruption

Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta partially or completely from the uterine wall. This can reduce or inhibit the supply of oxygen from the mother to the fetus. In addition, abruption of the placenta can also have an impact on mothers experiencing severe bleeding.

Umbilical cord problems

The umbilical cord that is compressed or wrapped around the baby during labor can have an impact when it is difficult for the baby to get oxygen so that it can cause hypoxia. Not only that, the damaged umbilical cord can also cause the baby to get less oxygen because the transportation of oxygen from the mother to the fetus cannot go well together.

Obstructed labor

Obstructed labor or dystocia can take place because of various things, including abnormalities in the birth canal such as a narrow pelvis or cervix that is difficult to open up to bring the impact of distressed babies out. This can have the effect of a baby getting less oxygen so that it becomes suffocated, and the heartbeat is abnormal.

Overcoming hypoxia in the fetus

If the fetus proves the symptoms of hypoxia, the doctor will treat it together by:

Increase the percentage of your fluid along with giving a drink or an IV.
Recommend that you lie on your left side to reduce uterine pressure in the main vein. This can inhibit reduced blood flow to the placenta and the baby.
Encourage you to stop using drugs that can affect the supply of oxygen for babies
If after carrying out these methods the fetus still proves hypoxia signal, then labor will be carried out immediately.
If the baby is born experiencing hypoxia, then it will be given oxygen therapy or ventilator treatment.

Do not forget to always check your percentage at the doctor, so you can detect hypoxia in the fetus as early as possible and immediately get the right treatment.