What causes fetal hypoxia?
Disease description:
We went to the hospital for a prenatal checkup, and were told that there's a possibility the fetus is experiencing hypoxia in the womb. This scared our entire family, leaving us anxious and worried. Doctor, what causes fetal hypoxia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
The main causes of fetal hypoxia include maternal factors, placental or umbilical cord factors, and the fetus's own factors.
1. Maternal factors: Conditions such as heart or lung disease, hypertension during pregnancy, and anemia may lead to insufficient maternal blood oxygen levels, thereby affecting oxygen supply to the fetus.
2. Placental or umbilical cord factors: Problems including placental abruption, placental infarction, nuchal cord (umbilical cord around the neck), and umbilical cord prolapse can directly impair the fetus's blood supply, causing hypoxia.
3. Fetal factors: Congenital abnormalities or conditions such as fetal malformations and cardiovascular diseases may also lead to hypoxia.
Therefore, to prevent fetal hypoxia, pregnant women should maintain good health during pregnancy, undergo regular prenatal examinations, and promptly identify and manage any potential issues.
