Intrauterine Hypoxia of the Fetus

What is it?

Intrauterine hypoxia of the fetus is a condition in which the fetus does not receive enough oxygen, which can lead to serious health and developmental consequences. This can occur due to various reasons, such as problems with the placenta, maternal diseases, or complications during pregnancy.

Possible Causes

• Placental issues. Improper blood circulation in the placenta can result in insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus.
• Maternal diseases. Chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart diseases can impair oxygen delivery to the fetus.
• Complications during labor. Complications such as umbilical cord prolapse or weak labor activity can cause oxygen deprivation to the fetus.
• Infections. Some infections can cause inflammation in the mother’s body, which hampers normal oxygen supply to the fetus.

Symptoms

• Slowed fetal growth.
• Low fetal activity.
• Changes in the fetal heart rate.
• Increased oxygen levels in the mother’s blood.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Ultrasound examination. Ultrasound is used to detect signs of hypoxia in the fetus and assess placental blood circulation.
• Heart rate monitoring. Monitoring the fetal heart rate with cardiotocography allows for evaluation of its condition and identification of any deviations.
• Treatment. Depending on the severity of hypoxia, medications may be used to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the fetus, and early delivery may be considered if necessary.