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Obstetrics & Gynaecology | Counties Manukau | Te Whatu Ora
Public Service, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Fetal Distress
A fetus is the name given to an unborn baby after the eighth week of pregnancy until birth. Fetal distress is a very general term that is used to describe any unborn baby that is showing signs of agitation, usually during labour and delivery. Signs of distress are usually diagnosed by changes in the speed of the unborn baby’s heartbeat and/or a decrease in the oxygen levels of the baby’s blood.