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Diagnosis of Fetal Distress

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Neonatology

Abstract

Fetal distress is a very broad term, which can be used in many clinical situations. Although it is difficult to give a precise clinical definition, obstetricians usually use this term to indicate that the fetus is becoming hypoxic. Immediate delivery has to be considered, because neurological damage may occur when the fetal brain is deprived of oxygen. Antepartum fetal testing is used to assess hypoxia in high-risk pregnancies and monitoring during labor supplies information on the status of the fetus prior to birth. However, knowledge of the fetal responses to asphyxia, together with the known evolution of fetal heart rate patterns, should allow a more accurate definition of its onset and a more rational management and timing for intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    Silvia Vannuccini, Caterina Bocchi, Filiberto Maria Severi & Felice Petraglia

Authors
  1. Silvia Vannuccini
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  2. Caterina Bocchi
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  3. Filiberto Maria Severi
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  4. Felice Petraglia
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Filiberto Maria Severi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    Giuseppe Buonocore

  2. Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    Rodolfo Bracci

  3. Liverpool Women’s Hospital Neonatal Unit, Liverpool, UK

    Michael Weindling

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Vannuccini, S., Bocchi, C., Severi, F.M., Petraglia, F. (2018). Diagnosis of Fetal Distress. In: Buonocore, G., Bracci, R., Weindling, M. (eds) Neonatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29489-6_156

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29489-6_156

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