fetal distress

Meaning

1. 1noununcountablemedical

   A condition in which an unborn baby shows signs, such as an abnormal heart rate, that it is not getting enough oxygen or is in danger.

   Grammar: Uncountable: signs of fetal distress, not a fetal distress.

   Patterns

   • signs of fetal distress
   • monitor for fetal distress

   The doctors noticed signs of fetal distress and decided to deliver the baby by emergency cesarean section.

   A drop in the baby's heart rate can signal fetal distress during labor.

   Continuous monitoring helps staff detect fetal distress quickly.

Common combinations

signs of fetal distress

The midwife watched for signs of fetal distress.

detect fetal distress

The monitor helps detect fetal distress early.

suspected fetal distress

Suspected fetal distress led to an urgent delivery.

cause fetal distress

Low oxygen levels can cause fetal distress.

treat fetal distress

Doctors may change the mother's position to treat fetal distress.

Synonyms and how they differ

fetal compromise

Fetal compromise is a more clinical phrase for the same worry and is increasingly preferred in medical records.

fetal hypoxia

Fetal hypoxia names one specific cause, a lack of oxygen, whereas fetal distress is a broader warning label.

fetal jeopardy

Fetal jeopardy is rare, while fetal distress is the standard expression.

Word family

fetus noun

an unborn baby after the early stage of development

fetal adjective

relating to a fetus

distress noun

serious trouble or suffering

distressed adjective

suffering or in difficulty

Commonly confused: fetal distress or fetal alcohol syndrome?

Practice

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