Fetal Danger Signs
1. High or Low Fetal Heart Rate - normal fetal heart rate ranges only from 120-160 bpm. Lower than 120 is termed as fetal bradycardia, and higher than 160 is fetal tachycardia. Both are danger signs. Another important sign is late or variable deceleration pattern on the fetal monitor.
2. Meconium Staining - in a fetus with a cephalic presentation, meconium staining is a sign of fetal distress. It may indicate fetal hypoxia causing increased motility of the fetus’ GIT. In breech presentation, staining may be normal but it should still be reported to the physician.
3. Hyperactivity - this may also indicate hypoxia is occurring. Normally, fetus is quiet and barely moving during labor.
4. Fetal Acidosis - using scalp capillary technique, blood analysis can be made during labor. A pH of below 7.2 indicates acidosis and is a certain sign of fetal distress.
Maternal Danger Signs
1. Rising or Falling Blood Pressure - BP of the mother normally rises slightly in the second stage of labor due to the pushing efforts. A decrease in BP is also a danger sign for it may indicate an occult intrauterine hemorrhage.
2. Abnormal Pulse - normal average pulse rate is 70-80 bpm. It normally increases slightly during the second stage of labor. Tachycardia usually indicates impending shock.
3. Inadequate Prolonged Contractions - when contractions become less frequent, less intense and shorter in duration, this may indicate uterine exhaustion or uterine inertia. It must be corrected or else a CS must be performed.
4. Pathologic Retraction Ring - can signal impending uttering rupture.
5. Abnormal Lower Abdominal Contour - distended bladder, which can displace uterus and cause uterine atony. It may also be injured due to the pressure of the fetal head and vice versa.
6. Increasing apprehension.