Low Fetal Resistance to Hypoxia as a Cause of Stillbirth and Neonatal Encephalopathy

• Published in: Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology 2024-02, Vol.51 (2), p.33
• Main Authors: Shabanov, Petr, Samorodov, Aleksandr, Urakova, Natalya, Fisher, Evgeny, Shchemeleva, Albina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: fetal movement; hypoxia; reserves; resistance; stillbirth
• ISSN: 0390-6663; 2709-0094
• DOI: 10.31083/j.ceog5102033

Objective: Low fetal resistance to hypoxia is a factor in stillbirth and neonatal encephalopathy. This review examines fetal movement patterns in response to hypoxia as a predictor of the likelihood of stillbirth. Monitoring the dynamics of fetal movements during maternal apnea could allow the assessment of fetal resistance to hypoxia. The goal of this study is to describe the practical application of this method by doctors and pregnant women. Mechanism: We searched relevant keywords in the international scientific literature databases Scopus and Web of Science, as well as databases for patents granted in China, India, USA, Japan, Germany, Russia and other countries. Devices, drugs and medical technologies that provide diagnosis, modeling, prevention and treatment of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, stillbirth and neonatal encephalopathy were considered. Findings in Brief: During apnea by a pregnant woman in the second half of normal pregnancy, if the maximum duration of fetal immobility exceeds 30 seconds from the onset of breath-holding, then the fetus is considered to show good resistance to hypoxia, thus preserving its health and life during vaginal delivery. On the other hand, excessive fetal movements