Generally it is preferable to describe specific signs in lieu of declaring<unk>  that include: Cardiotocography is used to monitor fetal heart rate. *Decreased movement felt by the mother *Meconium in the amniotic fluid ("meconium stained fluid") *Non-reassuring patterns seen on cardiotocography: *increased or decreased fetal heart rate (tachycardia and bradycardia), especially during and after a contraction *decreased variability in the fetal heart rate *late decelerations *Biochemical signs, assessed by collecting a small sample of baby's blood from a scalp prick through the open cervix in labor *fetal metabolic acidosis *elevated fetal blood lactate levels (from fetal scalp blood testing) indicating the baby has a lactic acidosis Some of these signs are more reliable predictors of fetal compromise than others. For example, cardiotocography can give high false positive rates, even when interpreted by highly experienced medical personnel. Metabolic acidosis is a more reliable predictor, but is not always available. Complications Complications are primarily those associated with insufficient fetal oxygenation, most notably increased mortality risk. Other complications include fetal encephalopathy, seizures, cerebral palsy, and neurodevelopmental delay.
Fetal distress
Fetal movement
Fetal-maternal haemorrhage
Persistent fetal circulation
Cephalopelvic disproportion
Prolonged labor
Breech birth
Shoulder dystocia