Metabolic acidemia in newborn first noted during labor

This code signifies a condition in a newborn characterized by an abnormal accumulation of acid in the body fluids (acidemia) that was initially identified during the labor process. This metabolic imbalance reflects fetal distress and can be indicative of various underlying issues affecting the fetus during delivery.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states metabolic acidemia in a newborn, and the onset or initial detection of this condition occurred while the mother was in labor. Supporting documentation would include blood gas analysis (e.g., umbilical cord blood gases) showing metabolic acidosis, and physician notes confirming the timing of the finding.

• Differentiate from respiratory acidemia; this code specifically refers to metabolic acidemia.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the acidemia was "first noted during labor" to justify using this specific code.
• Consider sequencing this code after codes for conditions or complications of labor and delivery that may have led to the acidemia.