Page 77 - 33Elctronic Book (3) Normal Labor

a base line of fetal heart rate for at least 10 minutes. That is greater than 160 beat/min

for at least 10 minutes.
It's degree: - Mild  161 : 180 beat/minute - Sever  181 beat/minute.

Causes :- Fetal distress.
- Fetal anemia.
- Maternal anemia.

- Prematurity.
- Maternal fever.
- Maternal or fetal hyperthyroidism.

- Drugs as atropine and beta-sympathomimetic agents.
Management ;

According to causative factor.
- Antipyretic: to slow metabolism and decreased fever.
- Increasing oxygen to treat fetal hypoxia.

- Assess maternal temperature.
- Monitor for change of fetal heart rate pattern.
- Hydrate to improve circulating volume.
- Turn patient to left side.

- Reduce stressors (turn off oxytocin, treat maternal fever).
2-Bradycardia (less than 120 beat/minute):
base line fetal heart rate between 100:120 beat/minute.

Causes:
- Fetal distress.
- Congenital fetal heart block.

- Beta – blockers given to the mother.
- Fetal head compression.
- Fetal hypoxia.

- Fetal acidosis.
- Fetal heart block.
- Umbilical cord compression.

Management:
- Monitor for change of fetal heart pattern.
- Change maternal position and administer o2.

- Correct maternal hypotension.
- Look for causes such as prolapsed cord.
- Put mother in knee – chest position.

77

Contents