Shore Birth Obstetric Specialists

Street Address

Unit 1
317 Sunset Road
Mairangi Bay
Auckland

Postal Address

Ground Floor
104 Rosedale Road
Albany
North Shore 0632

Contact Details

Phone (09) 475 0099
Email office@shorebirth.co.nz
Healthlink EDI: shorewom

Foetal Distress

A foetus is the name given to an unborn baby after the eighth week of pregnancy until birth. Foetal 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.


When foetal distress is present the delivery is expedited either by the use of forceps or ventouse (suction) if the cervix is fully dilated, or by caesarean section if the cervix is not fully dilated or the foetus is malpositioned.

https://healthpoint.co.nz/private/obstetrics-and-gynaecology/shore-birth-obstetric-specialists/