Childbirth is one of the most transformative experiences in a parent’s life, but it can also be unpredictable. During labor, your care team will closely monitor your baby to ensure they’re handling the process well. One term you might hear is fetal distress , a situation that requires attention to safeguard your baby’s well-being. If you’re preparing for labor and want to understand what fetal distress means, why it happens, and how it’s managed—especially in cases involving induction—this blog will provide the information you need to feel informed and empowered. What is Fetal Distress? Fetal distress is a term used to describe signs that a baby is not coping well with the conditions of labor. It usually refers to a decrease in oxygen supply, which can affect the baby’s heart rate and overall well-being. During labor, your baby’s heart rate is monitored through intermittent or continuous fetal monitoring. This gives your care team real-time information about how your baby is resp...