Fetal Distress in Labor and Delivery

Definition: A baby who is compromised in labor or during delivery. This is usually determined by evaluation of the fetal heart rate in labor using some form of fetal monitoring. Fetal distress may also be suspected if there is meconium, fetal stool, in the amniotic fluid. Reasons for fetal distress are varied from cord issues, to fetal anomalies, reactions to medications or the stress of labor, and other complications of labor.