Signs that the fetus is lacking oxygen

Some of the signals from the fetus below will let the mother know that the baby is lacking oxygen.

1. The main causes that can cause fetal hypoxia

- Mother's anemia is the main cause of fetal hypoxia. In addition, some other causes such as high blood pressure during pregnancy, carbon monoxide poisoning, acute infection... also cause the baby in the womb to lack oxygen.

- Blocked or too short placenta, knotted placenta, placental dysfunction will also cause the fetus to lack oxygen.

- Fetus has congenital heart disease, internal bleeding, fetal malformations...

In addition to the above causes, the fetus holding or grasping a section of the umbilical cord too tightly or the mother being in an oxygen-deficient environment during pregnancy can also cause the fetus to lack oxygen.

Depending on the level of oxygen deficiency, it will affect the fetus more or less: low birth weight, premature birth, malnutrition... or more seriously, slow development.

- Abnormal fetal movement

When a fetus in the womb feels uncomfortable, it will show strange signs. For example, the fetus will move or kick more.

Fetal movement is a normal physiological activity of the fetus, the feelings of the fetus can be seen in pregnancy at about 18 to 20 weeks. Depending on different conditions, the fetus can move with different strengths and weaknesses.

Normally, in a quiet environment, the fetus moves gently, but in some stimulating spaces, the movement is stronger and faster.

However, any changes in the fetus such as moving less or moving faster than usual are strange signs that the mother needs to pay attention to. For example, if the fetus moves less than 10 times/12 hours or more than 40 times/12 hours, it is a sign that the fetus is likely lacking oxygen.

- Abnormal fetal heart rate

In normal condition, the fetal heart rate will fluctuate from 120 to 160 beats/minute. If the fetal heart rate is not in the above condition, that is, beating faster or slower, this is a sign for the mother to recognize that the baby is lacking oxygen.

- Slow fetal growth in the uterus

Fundal height can be monitored to determine if the size of the fetus is normal. At 21-34 weeks of gestation, fundal height grows slightly faster. After 34 weeks, growth slows down. If the growth rate is significantly less than the established criteria, fetal growth retardation should be suspected.

First, the mother needs to find out the cause of this disease by going to the doctor to rule out the possibility of fetal malformation. After that, pregnant women should have time to rest, lying on their left side to facilitate blood supply to the fetus.

Supplementing a nutritious diet will help promote fetal development, provide the fetus with enough oxygen, and minimize asphyxiation. Increased fetal monitoring is very important, because a baby in the womb with a lack of oxygen can suffocate at any time, which can lead to death.

In addition to the above signs, a mother with asthma during pregnancy can also lead to a lack of oxygen in the fetus. If the mother's asthma attacks occur frequently, the lack of oxygen will occur more often, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, and even death of both mother and child if not treated promptly.

According to Tri Thuc Tre - NT