How Is Fetal Acidosis Treated?

Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by Michelle Wan

Fetal acidosis is a critical condition that occurs when a baby’s blood becomes too acidic due to inadequate oxygen supply during pregnancy or labor. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and even stillbirth. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize risks and improve outcomes for both the baby and the mother.

In this article, we will discuss how is fetal acidosis is treated, the medical interventions available, and the steps healthcare providers take to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Understanding Fetal Acidosis

Fetal acidosis occurs when a baby’s blood pH falls below 7.2, indicating a buildup of lactic acid due to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). When oxygen levels drop, the fetus shifts to anaerobic metabolism, which produces lactic acid as a byproduct. This can cause severe organ dysfunction, brain injury, and other birth complications.

Common Causes of Fetal Acidosis

• Umbilical Cord Compression – Reduces oxygen supply to the baby.
• Placental Insufficiency – The placenta fails to provide enough oxygen and nutrients.
• Prolonged Labor or Delayed Delivery – Increases the risk of oxygen deprivation.
• Maternal Conditions – High blood pressure, diabetes, or infections can contribute to poor oxygenation.
• Uterine Rupture or Placental Abruption – Can cause immediate oxygen deprivation.

Diagnosing Fetal Acidosis

Early diagnosis is crucial to preventing severe complications. Medical professionals use various tests to identify fetal acidosis:

1. Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (Cardiotocography – CTG):
   • Identifies abnormal fetal heart rate patterns (bradycardia, tachycardia, or late decelerations).
2. Fetal Scalp Blood Sampling (During Labor):
   • Measures pH and lactate levels in the baby’s blood. A pH below 7.2 indicates acidosis.
3. Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Analysis (After Birth):
   • Assesses pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the umbilical cord blood to confirm acidosis.
4. Biophysical Profile (BPP):
   • Uses ultrasound to assess fetal movement, breathing, and amniotic fluid levels.
5. Non-Stress Test (NST):
   • Monitors fetal heart rate in response to movement. A lack of variability may indicate distress.

How Is Fetal Acidosis Treated?

Immediate Interventions During Labor

When fetal acidosis is detected during labor, prompt action is required to prevent further complications. Medical teams may use the following interventions:

Maternal Oxygen Therapy

• How it helps: Increases oxygen levels in the mother’s bloodstream, improving oxygen transfer to the fetus.
• Method: Administered through a face mask or nasal cannula.

Repositioning the Mother

• How it helps: Reduces pressure on the umbilical cord and improves blood flow.
• Methods:
  • Left Lateral Position – Shifts weight off major blood vessels to improve circulation.
  • Knee-Chest or Trendelenburg Position – Helps relieve umbilical cord compression.

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Administration

• How it helps: Increases maternal blood volume and circulation, enhancing oxygen delivery to the baby.

Reducing Uterine Contractions

• How it helps: Allows more oxygen to reach the baby by reducing the stress of contractions.
• Methods:
  • Stopping or lowering oxytocin (Pitocin) if contractions are too frequent.
  • Administering tocolytics (medications to slow contractions).

Amnioinfusion

• How it helps: Relieves umbilical cord compression by introducing fluid into the amniotic sac.
• Method: A sterile fluid (saline or lactated Ringer’s solution) is infused through a catheter into the uterus.

Emergency Cesarean Section (C-Section)

• How it helps: If fetal acidosis is severe or does not respond to other interventions, an immediate C-section is performed to deliver the baby safely.
• Indications:
  • Persistent abnormal heart rate despite interventions.
  • Low pH levels confirmed by scalp blood sampling.
  • Placental abruption or umbilical cord prolapse.

Post-Delivery Treatment for Newborns

Once a baby with fetal acidosis is delivered, neonatal care is critical to minimize complications and improve recovery.

Resuscitation and Oxygen Support

• How it helps: Restores normal breathing and oxygen levels in the newborn.
• Methods:
  • Neonatal Resuscitation – Using bag-mask ventilation or intubation.
  • Supplemental Oxygen – Provided via nasal cannula or ventilator.

Therapeutic Hypothermia (Cooling Therapy)

• How it helps: Reduces brain damage in babies at risk of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
• Method:
  • The baby’s body temperature is lowered to 92.3°F (33.5°C) for 72 hours to reduce brain swelling and prevent further damage.

Medications for Seizure Management

• How it helps: Prevents or controls seizures caused by oxygen deprivation.
• Common drugs used:
  • Phenobarbital
  • Levetiracetam

Monitoring and Supportive Care

• Blood Gas Monitoring: Tracks pH and oxygen levels to ensure stabilization.
• Feeding Support: Some newborns require IV nutrition or tube feeding due to difficulty sucking/swallowing.

Long-Term Management for Babies with Fetal Acidosis

Some babies with severe fetal acidosis may experience developmental challenges and require ongoing support.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

• Helps improve motor function, muscle tone, and coordination in cases of mild to moderate impairment.

Speech and Feeding Therapy

• Supports babies with swallowing difficulties or speech delays.

Neurological Follow-Up

• Regular monitoring for conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or epilepsy.

Special Education and Early Intervention

• Helps children with cognitive or learning disabilities reach their full potential.

Can Medical Negligence Cause Fetal Acidosis?

In some cases, fetal acidosis is preventable, and medical negligence may be responsible. Common errors include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress.
• Delayed emergency intervention (e.g., C-section).
• Improper use of labor-inducing medications.
• Failure to diagnose maternal conditions that contribute to acidosis.

If medical negligence played a role, families may have legal options to seek compensation for their child’s medical expenses and long-term care.

How Thomas & Wan LLP Can Help

At Thomas & Wan LLP, we specialize in birth injury cases related to fetal acidosis and medical malpractice. Our team can help you:

• Investigate whether medical negligence contributed to your baby’s condition.
• Consult with medical experts to build a strong case.
• Seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, and future care.

If your child suffered from fetal acidosis due to medical negligence, contact Thomas & Wan LLP today for a free consultation.

Fetal acidosis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent long-term complications. With early detection, proper treatment, and timely medical decisions, many babies can recover fully. However, when medical errors contribute to fetal acidosis, families deserve answers, support, and justice.

If you believe your child’s condition resulted from medical malpractice, reach out to Thomas & Wan LLP today. Our team is here to help your family secure the care and compensation your child deserves.