Maternal distress during labor and delivery

This code signifies non-reassuring fetal status or signs of fetal compromise observed during the labor and delivery process. It indicates that the fetus is experiencing stress, potentially due to factors like hypoxia or acidosis, requiring intervention or close monitoring.

Assign this code when documentation indicates fetal distress, such as abnormal fetal heart rate patterns (e.g., late decelerations, severe variable decelerations, sustained bradycardia), meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or abnormal biophysical profiles during labor. Supporting documentation should clearly state "fetal distress" or describe the specific non-reassuring fetal signs.

• Do not use this code if the fetal distress is due to a specific maternal condition that has its own code (e.g., pre-eclampsia, placental abruption); code the underlying maternal condition first.
• This code is for the maternal record, indicating the mother's complication during labor due to fetal distress.
• Ensure documentation specifies that the distress occurred during labor and delivery, not antenatally or postnatally.