Oxygen starvation of the fetus during pregnancy. Oxygen starvation of the fetus during pregnancy How to avoid oxygen starvation in the fetus

Fetal hypoxia, what kind of phenomenon this is, is known to many expectant mothers. Oxygen starvation is a diagnosis that “scares” many pregnant women. Moreover, this diagnosis is often made without basis, and useless treatment is prescribed. Let's decide how to determine fetal hypoxia, with the help of what studies and guided by what symptoms.

The expectant mother herself may suspect something is wrong from the second half of pregnancy, when she begins to feel the baby’s movements. You need to monitor the frequency of movements very carefully. There should be at least 10 of them per day, meaning at least 10 episodes. For example, a child moved for a couple of minutes - this is one episode. Then an hour later, a couple more minutes - the second episode, etc. There is an opinion that an increase in movements, as well as the so-called “hiccups” of a child, are symptoms of fetal hypoxia, but doctors say that it is much more indicative, on the contrary, a decrease in the number of movements and in general their absence.

If a pathology is suspected, a woman is recommended to perform a CTG - this is an absolutely painless procedure in which the fetal heartbeat is recorded using a sensor. An experienced specialist who has done the decoding will be able to say exactly how the child feels. CTG is usually done not only during pregnancy and if hypoxia is suspected, but also as a planned procedure during childbirth.

Another way to monitor the work of the heart and, in general, the blood supply in the placenta and umbilical cord is Doppler ultrasound. This procedure is performed using equipment for conventional ultrasound, and lasts approximately the same.

A doctor who listens to it through the abdominal wall using an obstetric stethoscope can also suspect something is wrong based on the heart rate. A muffled heartbeat occurs only if the placenta is located along the anterior wall. By the heartbeat, you can determine in what position the fetus is in the uterus, whether it is alone there (at one time, women were diagnosed with multiple pregnancies in this way). The heartbeat begins to be clearly heard through the abdominal wall from the second half of pregnancy. But even at the end of it, you are unlikely to be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat on your own using a phonendoscope. A sharp decrease in heart rate is also a sign of fetal hypoxia. Fortunately, the doctor listens to the baby’s heart at every woman’s visit, so a chronic process can be suspected at an early stage.

In addition, doctors pay attention to ultrasound findings. Pathologies of the placenta can indirectly speak of hypoxia - its thickness is too large or, on the contrary, too small for the term, as well as its detachment and premature maturation. With such diagnoses, women are often admitted to a hospital for preventive purposes.

Also, fetal hypoxia produces symptoms in the case of maternal preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus, severe cough (especially with whooping cough), bronchial asthma, prolonged stay in a stuffy room, lying on the back (the vena cava is compressed), etc.

The consequences of fetal hypoxia vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic. For example, if the placenta matures prematurely or a woman smokes during pregnancy, the fetus regularly lacks oxygen, but this lack is not so obvious as to cause a fatal blow. Children who suffer from hypoxia in utero for a long time are often born weak, with small height and weight, even if they are born to term. Acute hypoxia is much more severe. For example, with complete premature placental abruption, the fetus can die from lack of oxygen in a few minutes. When placental abruption occurs, the connection between the maternal and child organisms is disrupted. In case of acute hypoxia, an urgent cesarean section is necessary. This is the only way to save the child.

And if it is sometimes impossible to prevent acute fetal hypoxia, then chronic fetal hypoxia can be successfully combated. Firstly, you need to get rid of bad habits and spend as much time in the fresh air as possible. Secondly, regularly visit the doctor and do all the necessary tests and examinations at the right time. Thirdly, make sure that the diet contains enough foods rich in iron (to avoid iron deficiency anemia, a common cause of chronic fetal hypoxia). And fourthly, do not forget to tell your doctor about any respiratory diseases you have and other chronic diseases of various body systems, if any.

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Oxygen starvation of the fetus during pregnancy is a fairly common complication that can occur at any stage of gestation. The pathological process as a result of which the supply of oxygen is disrupted threatens the child’s life and affects physical and mental development.

Oxygen starvation of the fetus: symptoms

Suspicion of oxygen deficiency in early pregnancy arises when anemia is detected. A lack of hemoglobin in the bloodstream affects the child's breathing. Iron supplements are prescribed to restore these blood cells.

Later, at 16–18 weeks, when the mother feels the baby moving, oxygen starvation of the fetus during pregnancy can be determined by increased motor activity or, conversely, too low. It is necessary to notice such symptoms and promptly consult a doctor for further diagnosis.

Signs that you should pay attention to during instrumental examinations:

Ultrasound measures the weight, height and volumetric parameters of the baby. In case of significant deviations from the norm, additional studies are prescribed to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Doppler testing helps determine impaired blood flow in the mother-placenta-fetus arteries. A slow heartbeat (bradycardia) indicates a long-term pathology when the embryo has exhausted its resources to provide internal organs.
Amnioscopy reveals meconium impurities in the amniotic fluid.

During the examination, the doctor listens to the heart rhythm; bradycardia or tachycardia becomes a reason to prescribe additional tests. In later stages, a lack of oxygen is also determined by a decrease in the baby’s movements.

Causes of oxygen starvation of the fetus during pregnancy

There are two types of oxygen starvation - chronic and acute. With prolonged hypoxia, the baby feels a lack of substance for a long time, so it is important to promptly identify the pathological process in order to avoid developmental delays.

The acute type of pathology is characterized by a sudden appearance, often during labor.

The reasons for the formation may be related to both the health of the expectant mother and the presentation of the embryo:

reduced amount of hemoglobin in the blood – anemia;
arterial hypertension;
diseases that cause difficulty breathing - bronchitis, asthma or allergies caused by a runny nose;
heart disease and vascular pathologies;
chronic diseases - diabetes, renal failure;
genitourinary infections;
conceiving more than one fetus;
bad habits – smoking, alcohol abuse;
increased or decreased content of amniotic fluid.

The incorrect position of the baby inside the womb is caused by entanglement of the umbilical cord, which can cause pressure and decreased blood circulation. Postmaturity and prolonged difficult labor can cause hypoxia. At this stage, it is important that doctors provide emergency assistance in a timely manner, prevent suffocation and save the life of the newborn.

Why is fetal oxygen deprivation dangerous?

The initial onset of hypoxia is characterized by a rapid heartbeat, as the body activates compensatory capabilities. Thus, blood flow is normalized in order to supply oxygen to vital organs.

The consequences depend on the timing and duration of the process in the embryo. In the first trimester, lack of oxygen causes developmental delays.
The formation of internal organs and the brain occurs with a delay. Developmental delay is most dangerous for the central nervous system; the baby’s protective properties are reduced, and there is a risk of congenital defects.

A chronic type of pathology impairs blood circulation, vascular permeability increases, and the blood becomes thicker, which threatens thrombus formation.

An acute lack of oxygen during labor can be fatal. Children are born weak, with serious neurological pathologies in the future.

Timely treatment and assistance from doctors is the main factor in restoring the infant’s respiratory function.

How to treat oxygen starvation of the fetus during pregnancy?

For fetal hypoxia, treatment involves not only taking medications, but also changing the woman’s lifestyle. Bed rest, walks in the fresh air, nutritional adjustments, rational changes in sleep and activity should become the main basis during the period of bearing a baby.

Diagnosis of severe hypoxia must be treated in a hospital setting to ensure complete rest. First of all, specialists try to identify the cause of the pathology, which will help prescribe medications more specifically.

If high blood pressure is detected, medications with the effect of stabilizing blood pressure are used. Therapy of infectious diseases is based on anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents.

decreased uterine tone;
blood thinning;
restoration of blood flow;
improvement of metabolism;
increasing the permeability of blood vessels and tissue cells.

If by the 30th week, after a course of therapeutic actions, there is no improvement, a decision is made on emergency delivery by cesarean section.

In order to prevent the pathological process, it is recommended to plan conception and undergo examinations for the presence of infectious diseases. When a chronic disease develops in an expectant mother, it is necessary to consult with specialists and follow the advice of doctors.

Fetal hypoxia is an intrauterine syndrome characterized by multiple disorders of internal organs and systems caused by oxygen starvation of the fetus. Perinatal hypoxia is one of the most common obstetric pathologies in Russia: up to 10.5% of newborns suffer from certain manifestations of oxygen starvation.

Source: mamitips.com

Causes and risk factors

Fetal hypoxia is a manifestation of various pathological processes in the body of the mother or unborn child. The risk group includes women suffering from anemia and diabetes, severe forms of gestosis, acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Contact with toxic substances, living in an ecologically unfavorable area, and bad habits of the mother also negatively affect placental circulation.

On the part of the fetus, the following factors provoke hypoxia are identified:

malformations and anomalies of development;
intrauterine infections (toxoplasmosis, herpes, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis);
prolonged compression of the head during childbirth;
hemolytic disease in Rhesus conflict.

Insufficient oxygen supply to the fetal tissues triggers a cascade of pathological processes that provoke the appearance of congenital pathologies and a general retardation of the child in mental and physical development.

Oxygen starvation of the fetus also occurs when there are disturbances in placental blood flow associated with complications of pregnancy and childbirth:

fetoplacental insufficiency;
abnormalities in the structure of the umbilical cord;
repeated entanglement of the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck;
post-maturity;
prolapse or compression of the umbilical cord;
prolonged or rapid labor;
threat of premature birth.

Source: dobrenok.com

Forms

Depending on the duration of the course, two forms of fetal hypoxia are distinguished - acute and chronic. Acute hypoxic conditions usually develop as a result of pathological childbirth, less often - during pregnancy in the case of placental abruption and uterine rupture. Rapidly increasing depression of the functions of vital organs poses a threat to the child’s life.

Chronic fetal hypoxia during pregnancy develops over a period of time. Insufficient oxygen supply to the fetal tissues triggers a cascade of pathological processes that provoke the appearance of congenital pathologies and a general retardation of the child in mental and physical development. The body's first reaction to oxygen deficiency is centralization and redistribution of blood flow in favor of the brain, creating the preconditions for ischemic changes in tissues. The reactive release of vasoactive adrenal hormones in the early stages of hypoxia leads to gradual depletion of the medulla and cortex and secretory failure, followed by the development of bradycardia and arterial hypotension. Reduced tone of precapillaries and arterioles contributes to the expansion of peripheral vessels and the appearance of capillary circulation disorders, which are expressed in slowing blood flow, increasing blood viscosity and reducing the intensity of gas exchange. Violation of the trophism of vascular walls increases the permeability of cell walls, creating conditions for the development of hemoconcentration, hypovolemia, internal hemorrhages and tissue edema. The accumulation of under-oxidized metabolic products causes respiratory metabolic acidosis and activates lipid peroxidation, during which toxic free radicals are released.

With timely completion of planned diagnostic procedures during pregnancy, there is a chance to save the fetus and minimize damage to the child’s health.

The severity of pathological changes in chronic perinatal hypoxia depends on the duration and intensity of oxygen deficiency, as well as on the adaptive capabilities of the body. In obstetric practice, compensated, subcompensated and decompensated hypoxic conditions are distinguished. Compensated fetal hypoxia during pregnancy does not cause serious damage to the child’s health, but the probability of giving birth to absolutely healthy children after hypoxia suffered in utero is estimated at 4%.

Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother lives in hope that her baby will be born healthy. But sometimes something goes wrong, and the incomprehensible diagnosis of “hypoxia”, given to the baby even before birth, completely throws the woman off balance. However, in most cases, the help of qualified specialists, adequate treatment and the confident attitude of the mother can direct the development of the situation in a positive direction. Read the article about the symptoms, consequences and prevention of fetal hypoxia.

The term “hypoxia” means oxygen deficiency; therefore, the diagnosis “intrauterine fetal hypoxia” indicates that the unborn child is in dire need of this valuable gas. The baby’s respiratory organs, which are in the growth stage, have nowhere to get oxygen from, and if they have already formed by the time hypoxia develops, they are not able to fully function.

Intrauterine fetal hypoxia is a severe pathology, which, under certain circumstances, manifests itself not only in the first trimester, but also on the eve of childbirth. Moreover, lack of oxygen sometimes becomes a real obstacle to a successful delivery.

Fetal hypoxia: types

Features of the course of the pathological condition gave grounds to divide it into two types.

Chronic fetal hypoxia

This diagnosis hides the prolonged existence of the fetus in conditions of oxygen deficiency. This condition develops if a pregnant woman, for some reason, did not register on time (and, naturally, was deprived of medical supervision) or due to untimely detection and treatment of the pathology. The fetus may remain in this state for several days, weeks or months.

The consequences of this type of hypoxia for the fetus at the beginning of gestation are all kinds of disorders in the development of organ systems, as well as a delay in the formation of the embryo as a whole. Chronic disorders in late pregnancy threaten even more dangerous complications for the baby. Among them:

serious disorders of the central nervous system;
anomalies of physical ontogenesis;
growth retardation;
low ability of adaptation to the outside world in a newborn;
refusal to eat, anxiety and nervous system disorders in the infant.

Acute fetal hypoxia

This type of disorder is characterized by sudden development and can occur during gestation, as well as during labor. This disorder cannot be corrected through therapeutic interventions because it lasts only a few minutes or a limited number of hours. The pregnant woman will immediately have to undergo an emergency delivery, otherwise the consequences of such fetal hypoxia for the child will be the most unfavorable - the slightest delay will cost him his life. Acute and prolonged lack of oxygen irreversibly suppresses the activity of the fetal brain and becomes the result of intrauterine asphyxia.

Even if the baby is removed in time, there will be no complete confidence in his good health. Sometimes the consequences of hypoxia and asphyxia of the fetus leave the child for 5–6 years of his life. In other cases, a complex of internal disorders caused by hypoxia makes the child dependent on constant treatment for the rest of his life.

Why is fetal hypoxia dangerous?

Pathology can cause all sorts of diseases in a child. We list the most serious and severe consequences of the pathology:

Cardinal disturbances in the functioning of the brain.
Accumulation of fluid in the brain tissue.
Dropsy of the brain.
Epilepsy.
Anomalies in the development of internal organs.
Brain hemorrhage.
Cerebral palsy.

Intrauterine hypoxia of the fetus during pregnancy, if the circumstances are unsuccessful, condemns to childhood disability, mental retardation and poor ability to adapt to society.

Causes of fetal hypoxia

There are many factors that can somehow “block” the access of a valuable substance to the fetus. The onset of chronic hypoxia can be:

diseases of women related to the respiratory, hematopoietic and cardiovascular systems;
pathologies of fetal development (infections, incompatibility with the mother for Rh blood);
pathological location of the umbilical cord (for example, it fell out, was pinched due to fetal presentation, tied in a knot), which interferes with blood flow;
severe and prolonged course of toxicosis;
excessive volume of amniotic fluid;
pregnancy with two or more fetuses;
post-term pregnancy;
being pregnant under stressful conditions;
depression in the expectant mother (being depressed, the woman breathes less often, so the baby does not breathe enough with her);
tight umbilical cord entanglement around the baby's neck;
placental abruption, rapid or too long labor;
inappropriate anesthesia during childbirth.

Hypoxia of the fetus and newborn

The dangerous factors that we discussed above can cause not only internal disorders, but also asphyxia of the baby at the time of birth. A child is considered a newborn within 7 days after birth. Now all the organs of a small person undergo the so-called strength test. If before the birth of the baby the mother was diagnosed with hypoxia, the same trouble can await the baby after birth.

When a child suffocates in the mother's womb, he tries with all his might to make up for this deficiency, so he begins to breathe through the hole in the glottis. Consequently, foreign substances penetrate there in the form of mucus, blood and amniotic fluid, which during childbirth will clog the child’s respiratory organs and cause asphyxia - in other words, they will suffocate the baby. That is why such children are monitored very closely in the first days of their lives.

Based on severity, fetal hypoxia is divided into moderate and severe. The child’s condition is assessed after birth, based on standard Apgar scores. The scale consists of five indicators, each of which is given a score from 0 to 2 points.

When the baby is just born, his condition is immediately subjected to a general assessment, and after 5 minutes he is examined again. If a child “scores” from 8 to 10 points, he is considered healthy, that is, he did not experience hypoxia during childbirth. A score of 4–7 points indicates moderate hypoxia, and indicators of 0–3 points give doctors reason to talk about severe hypoxia and suffocation of the newborn.

Symptoms of fetal hypoxia

It is impossible to diagnose fetal hypoxia in the early stages of pregnancy without special equipment (Doppler and ultrasound) - the fetus is still very small, so it cannot “tell” the mother how bad it is.

Regular and unscheduled examinations are an effective way out of the situation. The reason for visiting a antenatal clinic is the chronic illness of a pregnant woman and her unsatisfactory state of health.

As the belly grows, the mother must constantly monitor the baby’s movements. The 10-movement technique will help a woman suspect the development of pathology on her own. It consists of the following: upon waking up in the morning, the mother begins to count how many times her baby moves during the day. The movements are divided into series and there should be at least 10 such series per day. For example, you feel the baby “knocking” inside and this continues for 1 - 2 minutes - this is the first series, after a while the movements are repeated - the second series and so on. If there are less than 10 such series, this is a clear sign of fetal hypoxia.

Acute intrauterine hypoxia is indicated by turbidity of the amniotic fluid, which is determined using laboratory analysis.

How to determine fetal hypoxia

All effective diagnostic methods are based on a complete examination of the expectant mother by a doctor during a scheduled or unscheduled examination. The gynecologist will listen to the fetal heartbeat and determine its frequency. A baby’s slow heartbeat is a reason for additional examination.

To study the child’s heart rhythm more accurately, they use the method of cardiotocography - ECG for the fetus.

Signs of fetal hypoxia according to CTG are:

the number of heart beats is reduced or absent altogether;
too frequent heartbeat of the child against the background of his own movements and involuntary tone of the uterus.

Another effective diagnostic method for hypoxia is intrauterine (Doppler) ultrasound, through which the overall picture of blood flow in the uterus is assessed. Also, the diagnostician will certainly testify to fetal hypoxia on a regular ultrasound if he detects abnormalities in the development of the placenta, its too rapid formation or aging, or excessively thin or thick walls.

In addition, blood tests will help confirm the presence of hypoxia. Pathology will be indicated by a high level of enzymes in the blood, fat oxidation products, etc.

Treatment of fetal hypoxia

One can hope to get rid of the pathology if oxygen deficiency was detected in a timely manner and the patient does not have indications for emergency delivery through cesarean section.

What to do in case of fetal hypoxia worries every pregnant woman who has heard such a diagnosis. The mother is required to be calm and willing to cooperate with the attending physician in everything. To begin with, doctors will try to block the influence of the disease or condition of the mother, which served as an impetus for the development of the complication.

The severity of oxygen deprivation determines whether the treatment will be inpatient or outpatient. The main points of the therapeutic program are the following conditions:

Calmness and bed rest.
Taking medications that stimulate unhindered access of oxygen to the child.
Drinking oxygenated water.

Fetal hypoxia and childbirth

Fetal hypoxia can manifest itself not only in late pregnancy, but also directly during childbirth. When a baby is born, doctors regularly evaluate the baby's heartbeat pattern. A cause for concern is the development of increased or slower heart activity.

The severity of bradycardia and tachycardia may change during childbirth. At the beginning of labor, oxygen deficiency in the fetus is indicated by bradycardia of about 100 beats per minute, and in the second period - 98 beats. With hypoxia, as a reaction to each contraction, a decrease in the heart rate up to 50 times per minute is observed.

How to avoid fetal hypoxia

Responsibility for the likelihood of developing intrauterine oxygen starvation in a child largely lies with his mother. In order not to encounter such a serious complication during pregnancy, a woman should lead the most correct lifestyle possible. Let us briefly list the main measures to prevent fetal hypoxia during pregnancy. Briefly, because you most likely won’t learn anything new - everyone knows about the rules of a healthy lifestyle. So, the expectant mother needs:

give up bad habits once and for all (for example, forget what cigarettes are);
spend a lot of time outdoors. Remember that the ideal place for walking is away from busy roads;
create a healthy and balanced diet with the essential presence of iron-containing foods;
come to all scheduled examinations, and also attend an antenatal clinic unscheduled if something bothers you;
inform the gynecologist about all chronic diseases;
monitor the quality of your breathing. If any alarming signs appear (for example, shortness of breath), immediately consult a doctor for clarification of the situation;
with the permission of a doctor, master a set of breathing exercises and perform them regularly;
get enough sleep and rest during the day.

No matter how strange it may sound, during pregnancy a woman should think and care not about the baby growing inside her, but about herself. The expectant mother, in fact, is a mirror that projects all the features of her well-being onto the fetus. The healthier a woman is, the more favorable conditions her baby will have for growth and development. Be healthy!

Many people know about the dangers and consequences of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, so the fear of hearing such a diagnosis is completely justified. Any expectant mother may panic, imagining that her baby is not getting enough oxygen. But is it really that scary? What signs indicate fetal hypoxia and can this phenomenon be prevented?

Fetal hypoxia and its forms

During intrauterine development, the baby receives oxygen from the mother's blood through the placenta. If its supply is disrupted, then fetal hypoxia occurs, which negatively affects the formation and development of its organs and systems, as well as the general condition of the baby.

Quite often, oxygen starvation is associated with fetoplacental insufficiency - a phenomenon that characterizes the occurrence of disturbances in the structure and functioning of the placenta. As a result, feeding and breathing of the fetus is complicated.

Minor short-term hypoxia is usually not dangerous for the fetus. But prolonged or acute lack of oxygen can lead to irreversible consequences.
Alcohol consumption leads to the development of chronic fetal hypoxia

Hypoxia can occur throughout pregnancy:

in the first months, oxygen starvation usually causes disturbances in the formation of important organs in the fetus (most often the nervous system);
in the later stages, the lack of oxygen also adversely affects the development of the baby and often leads to the need for a caesarean section long before the scheduled date;
oxygen starvation can develop during childbirth. If hypoxia is prolonged, it poses a serious danger to the life and health of the child. In severe form, it is asphyxia, that is, suffocation of the fetus.

There are forms of hypoxia:

chronic - occurs when there is a prolonged lack of oxygen in the fetus. It can be provoked by severe toxicosis, dysfunction of the placenta, smoking and alcohol consumption by the mother, etc. Hypoxia develops gradually, increasing over time;
acute lack of oxygen occurs as a result of complications in late pregnancy and during childbirth. Oxygen starvation occurs abruptly and develops quickly. Treatment is most often impossible. An urgent delivery is required.

Reasons for the development of pathology

The causes of chronic hypoxia include:

fetoplacental insufficiency (impaired functioning of the placenta);
intrauterine infections and fetal malformations;
multiple pregnancy;
smoking and drinking alcohol;
acute and chronic diseases of the internal organs of the mother;
low hemoglobin in a pregnant woman;
diabetes;
severe toxicosis;
experiencing stress;
incorrect presentation of the fetus.

Umbilical cord entanglement can provoke acute fetal hypoxia

Acute hypoxia can lead to:

increased uterine tone;
placental abruption;
uterine rupture;
umbilical cord entanglement;
weak labor activity;
rapid birth.

Symptoms and diagnosis

It is extremely difficult to detect hypoxia in the first months of pregnancy. Only a few objective factors (low hemoglobin, diabetes mellitus, smoking, etc.) can suggest its presence.

A reliable diagnosis can be made after 18 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus begins to move in the uterus. The greatest suspicions are caused by changes in his motor activity, rapid or slow heartbeat.

The expectant mother needs to pay attention to the following manifestations:

prolonged absence of the baby's movements;
increased fetal activity (frequent movements);
change in the nature of the child’s motor activity. For example, the movements were rare, and then suddenly became more frequent. Or, on the contrary, the baby was actively moving, and then suddenly stopped.

In all of the above cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.
CTG is performed several times during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and during childbirth

Diagnostic methods

Hypoxia is diagnosed using the following methods:

Ultrasound - performed after 18 weeks of pregnancy;
CTG (cardiotocography) - performed after 30 weeks of pregnancy and during childbirth and consists of recording and analyzing the fetal heart rate during movement, rest, and contractions;
Doppler testing is a type of ultrasound diagnostics and is performed after 18 weeks of pregnancy upon the direction of a doctor. The intensity of blood flow in the vessels of the fetus, uterus and placenta is assessed;
amnioscopy - performed in late stages (after 37 weeks) by inserting a special device - an amnioscope - through the cervix. The method allows you to assess the condition of amniotic fluid (quantity, color and the presence of impurities in it) and the amniotic sac.

Indicators that indicate oxygen deficiency:

the fetus is smaller in size and weight than normal for a given period of pregnancy, which indicates developmental delay;
polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios;
fetal heartbeat disturbance;
disruption of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus, placenta and umbilical cord;
The color of amniotic fluid is green and contains meconium (usually diagnosed during childbirth).

Consequences of fetal oxygen deprivation

Acute hypoxia is more dangerous because it develops rapidly. In the absence of measures to eliminate it, suffocation and fetal death are likely to occur.

Other dangerous consequences of acute oxygen deficiency include:

death of nerve cells and pathological changes in brain tissue, which leads to a lag in intellectual and speech development;
hemorrhage in various organs.

Consequences of chronic hypoxia:

miscarriage;
premature birth;
developmental delay before and after birth;
disruption of the baby's respiratory system;
diseases of the nervous system;
metabolic disorders in a child;
difficulties in adapting a newborn to living conditions.

Video: lecture on hypoxia and its consequences

Forecast of the consequences of oxygen starvation of a child

The consequences of hypoxia are diagnosed during childbirth using the Apgar scale. If the child’s condition is assessed from 4 to 6 points in the first minute and 8 points or more in the fifth minute, then this indicates moderate severity of oxygen deficiency. Lower scores may result in dire consequences.

In the first years of life, a baby may develop:

hyperactivity;
neurological diseases;
retardation in height, weight and development of cognitive processes;
mental disorders, etc.

For treatment, special massage, physical exercise, and medications are prescribed. Most often, with careful monitoring and proper treatment, the child's health improves during the first year of life.

How is hypoxia treated?

Depending on the degree and causes of hypoxia, treatment can be carried out both in a hospital and on an outpatient basis. Measures are being taken to improve blood circulation in the placenta, reduce the tone of the uterus, and enhance metabolic processes.

The expectant mother needs to make adjustments to her lifestyle:

reduce emotional stress and physical stress (work less intensively, take breaks more often);
spend 2–3 hours every day outdoors;
It is recommended to do breathing exercises, yoga, water aerobics, and swimming.

If the measures taken are ineffective and hypoxia persists, then early delivery is indicated (for a period of more than 28 weeks).

For prolonged hypoxia, medications are prescribed:

vitamins E, C, B6;
Eufillin;
Ginipral et al.

In a situation of acute oxygen deficiency, glucose, insulin, calcium gluconate, etc. are often administered, and oxygen inhalations are performed using a mask.

Photo gallery: drugs for the treatment of oxygen deficiency in the fetus

Curantil is a drug used to improve blood circulation Actovegin is a drug with an antihypoxic effect that activates the delivery and absorption of oxygen and glucose by the cells of various organs and tissues Trental improves blood microcirculation
Ginipral - a drug for relaxing the myometrial muscle tissue and reducing pressure in the uterine cavity
No-Spa is used to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus