Fetal distress first noted during labor and delivery, in liveborn infant

This code signifies a liveborn infant who experienced signs of distress during the labor and delivery process. These signs indicate potential compromise to the fetus's well-being, such as abnormal heart rate patterns or meconium staining, that were initially observed during the intrapartum period.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly indicates fetal distress was identified during labor and delivery, and the infant was born alive. Supporting documentation includes physician notes, labor and delivery records, and neonatal assessment findings that specify the timing of the distress.

• Do not use this code if fetal distress was noted before labor and delivery; consider codes for antenatal fetal problems.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "liveborn infant" as this code is not for stillbirths.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, with the primary diagnosis typically being a code from the V30-V39 series (Liveborn infants according to type of birth).