Urgent threats to foetal wellbeing
• Changes in oxygen saturations in the mother are of direct relevance to foetal wellbeing. A small reduction in maternal oxygenation can severely impact on foetal oxygenation because of the left shift in the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve associated with foetal haemoglobin. 129 Consider oxygen saturation at triage on all pregnant women.
• Major alterations in blood pressure( whether high or low) are not well tolerated by the foetus.
• Active vaginal bleeding at any gestation presents a risk to the foetus.
• Abdominal pain during pregnancy may represent a pathological process threatening the foetus.
• Pregnant women normally feel foetal movement from 18 – 20 weeks gestation. A regular pattern of foetal movement is a reassuring sign of foetal wellbeing. Absent or diminished foetal movements require prompt assessment.
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Department of Health and Ageing – Emergency Triage Education Kit