Maternal Oxygen Administration for Fetal Distress

Supplementary oxygen is routinely administered to patients, even those with adequate oxygen saturations, in the belief that it increases oxygen delivery. However, oxygen delivery depends not just on arterial oxygen content but also on perfusion. Maternal oxygen administration has been used in an attempt to lessen fetal distress by increasing the available oxygen from the mother. However, the effect of supplemental maternal oxygen therapy on fetal acid base status has been debated for more than seven decades. Hypothesis: Prophylactic maternal low flow nasal oxygen administration during the second stage of labor can relieve fetal distress.