Fetal distress, unspecified as to time of onset, in liveborn infant

This code signifies a newborn experiencing signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rate patterns or meconium-stained amniotic fluid, where the precise timing of the onset of these signs (e.g., antepartum vs. intrapartum) is not documented. It indicates a liveborn infant who exhibited distress during the perinatal period.

Use this code when the medical record clearly documents fetal distress in a liveborn infant, but lacks specific information regarding whether the distress occurred before or during labor and delivery. Documentation supporting its use includes physician notes describing fetal distress without further temporal specificity.

• Do not use if the timing of fetal distress (e.g., antepartum or intrapartum) is specified in the documentation.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary diagnosis for the infant's admission, if applicable.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "fetal distress" or equivalent clinical findings in a liveborn infant.