Unlikely. In labour, fetal distress is expected to some degree, at certain times (for example strong contractions in teh late second stage as the baby is about to pop out). At others, it is an indication that your baby is not getting enough oxygen, may be in trouble and need further assessment and possibly delivery. In the extreme and rare circumstances that you sometimes read about in newspapers, this can result in brain damage or death. Please remember that the staff caring for you are experts at anticipating this and act well before it becomes lifethreatening. That is exactly what they are there for, why they monitor the baby and you, and are with you during your labour. |