How to determine foetal hypoxia

If you notice changes in motor activity of the fetus, it may be a sign of hypoxia. In the initial stage you can detect a troubled child's behavior, reflected in the frequency and strength of its perturbations. With the acute shortage of oxygen and buildup of hypoxia movements of the fetus begin to weaken.

Definitely watching you tell your doctor about changes of the perturbations. It with a stethoscope listens to the heartbeat of the fetus, assess heart rate, rhythm, presence of noise. However, this method can identify only gross changes, as often occurs in acute hypoxia. The doctor may suspect chronic hypoxia on circumstantial evidence, such as reducing the height of standing of bottom of uterus, associated with growth retardation of the fetusand oligohydramnios.

If you suspect hypoxia will be assigned a cardiotocography (CTG). This study successfully carried out in outpatient conditions. With elastic straps on a pregnant belly attached ultrasonic sensor, fixed in place listening to the heartbeat of the fetus. Diagnostic value has the frequency of acceleration and deceleration of heart rate. If increased heart rate is a response to the movement of the fetus or uterine contractions (at least 5 per 30 minutes), then we can talk about the prosperous condition of the fetus. To do this, in the framework of the CTG is non-stressful test, the essence of which consists in the appearance of ucashenie heartbeat in response to movement or contractions of the uterus. If the fetus does not give any reaction, this suggests hypoxia.

With the help of Doppler imaging is the study of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus, umbilical cord and fetus. If a disturbance in the circulation, it is possible to estimate the severity of hypoxia and to take measures for the further successful course of pregnancy. The first study is recommended at 16-20 weeks of pregnancy, since from this period of possible pathological disorders of the blood flow.

For diagnosis of hypoxia in a child are estimated amniotic fluid. About oxygen deficiency indicates the presence of amniotic fluid meconium - the feces of the fetus. Falling into the water due to the poor circulation in the intestine due to hypoxia. Relaxes the sphincter of the rectum of the fetus and the amniotic fluid meconium gets. With the help of amnioscopy are inspecting the optical device through the cervical canal and amniotic fluid. This method is often used prior to delivery.