During the final stage of pregnancy, you may be concerned about contractions and uterine tachysystole. One may also wait for a dilated cervix to permit the baby to descend towards the birth canal. Unfortunately, contractions are quite tricky. One might ponder whether they're experiencing signs of false labor or real labor.
What is Uterine Tachysystole?
Pregnant women experiencing abnormal or excessive contractions known as uterine tachysystole. Normally, contractions may last for 60-90 seconds during labor. In uterine tachysystole, women experience around 5 contractions inside a length of Ten minutes when in labor. It's the condition in which a woman in labor experiences excessively frequent or intense contractions.
It commonly happens in situations where certain labor-stimulating medication like oxytocin is given. The medication may provide the woman with the hormone oxytocin which stimulated the contractions in the uterus during labor. Oxytocin is, therefore, fundamental to labor and delivery and it may be administered in the synthetic form. However, an adverse reaction or incorrect dosage can cause uterine tachysystole.
Causes of Uterine Tachysystole
- Using labor stimulating medication for example misoprostol or oxytocin. Studies have shown the utilization of oxytocin increases the likelihood of having uterine tachysystole by two times.
- Using epidural to manage pain during labor.
- Induction of labor through medication results in tachysystole because labor stimulants makes the contractions longer and more frequent. Incorrect administration of these medicines can lead to tachysystole.
- Hypertension
- Preeclampsia
Risks of Uterine Tachysystole
Changes in fetal heartbeat and oxygen supply
It is common in the fetus but doesn't invariably indicate a bad outcome for that baby. The umbilical cord is the source of oxygen and blood for the baby. During contractions, this flow may reduce or stop. The time between contractions is therefore important to keep your flow going. When the contractions become excessively frequent and intense, there is not enough time for that placenta to relax. Thus reducing oxygen supply to the fetus and decelerating its heart rate. The supply of oxygen is crucial towards the baby's life. Tachysystole may result in asphyxia resulting in brain injury, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or seizure disorders. The infant may also have fetal acidosis which means that the acid levels in the brain increase causing brain injuries for example cerebral palsy.
Uterine rupture
This means that the fetus may be expelled from the womb in to the mother's abdomen. This poses severe risks to the lifetime of the infant and its mother. Uterine rupture can lead to severe hemorrhaging and it is related complications for that mother. And for the baby, it will hinder oxygen supply and cause asphyxia, cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, fetal acidosis, or any other such complications.
C-section birth
It could raise the chances of uterine tachysystole.
Difference Between Uterine Tachysystole and Hyperstimulation
Uterine tachysystole is much more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes and averaged on the 30-minute window. Whereas hyperstimulation happens when uterine tachysystole and hypertonus condition creates a nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern.
Treatment for Uterine Tachysystole
- If labor stimulating medicine is being used, a doctor should closely monitor the condition of the fetus. The complications can be identified. Monitor oxygen levels, hydration, alternation in positions as well as consider medical intervention where necessary.
- Maybe the woman had previously experienced tachysystole or is having excessively frequent contractions. Then medical records should be examined so that the best plan of action can be established.
- If the mother begins to show signs of tachysystole, then the administration of labor-inducing drugs should be stopped immediately. The doctor should not wait till the infant also begins to exhibit symptoms.
- The woman should change the position with support and lie in a lateral position. Supply the mother with sufficient oxygen and increase the dosage of iv fluids if required.
- If there's been a uterine rupture, c-section delivery is necessary. Medications for fetal resuscitation ought to be administrated to avoid any permanent damage to the fetus.
Conclusion
Uterine tachysystole can be established towards the health from the mother and the life of the newborn if it's not managed adequately. The outcome it is wearing the fetus is crucial and life-altering. Therefore, it should be diagnosed and treated properly over time.
