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Fetal Danger Signs

Maternal Danger Signs

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High or Low Fetal Heart Rate

Meconium Staining

Fetal Acidosis

Hyperactivity

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normal fetal heart rate ranges only from 120-

160 bpm. Lower than 120 is termed as fetal

bradycardia, and higher than 160 is fetal

tachycardia. Both are danger signs. Anotherimportant sign is late or variable deceleration

pattern on the fetal monitor.

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in a fetus with a cephalic presentation,

meconium staining is a sign of fetal

distress. It may indicate fetal hypoxia causing

increased motility of the fetus GIT. In breechpresentation, staining may be normal but it

should still be reported to the physician.

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using scalp capillary technique, blood analysis

can be made during labor. A pH of below 7.2

indicates acidosis and is a certain sign of fetal

distress.

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this may also indicate hypoxia is

occurring. Normally, fetus is quiet and barely

moving during labor.

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Rising or Falling Blood Pressure

Abnormal Pulse

Inadequate Prolonged Contractions

Pathologic Retraction Ring

Abnormal Lower Abdominal Contour

Increasing apprehension

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BP of the mother normally rises slightly in the

second stage of labor due to the pushing

efforts. A decrease in BP is also a danger sign

for it may indicate an occult intrauterinehemorrhage.

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normal average pulse rate is 70-80 bpm. It

normally increases slightly during the second

stage of labor. Tachycardia usually indicates

impending shock.

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when contractions become less frequent, less

intense and shorter in duration, this may

indicate uterine exhaustion or uterine

inertia. It must be corrected or else a CSmust be performed.

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an indentation across a womans abdomen,

where the upper and lower segments of the

uterus join, may be a sign of extreme uterine

stress and possible impending uterinerupture.

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distended bladder, which can displace uterus

and cause uterine atony. It may also be

injured due to the pressure of the fetal head

and vice versa.Uterine atony- is a condition in which the

muscles of a woman's uterus lose their tone

and their ability to contract after childbirth.

Severe hemorrhaging and low blood pressurecan result, presenting a number of additional

health problems.

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A woman becoming increasingly

apprehensive despite clear explanations of

unfolding events may actually be approaching

the pelvic division of labor. Shealso may not be hearing because she has

concerns that has not been met.

Increasing apprehension needs to be

investigated for physical reasons. It can be

a sign of oxygen deprivation or internal

hemorrhage.