What is a common time frame for signs of fetal distress to appear?

Fetal distress commonly manifests during labor due to several physiological and environmental factors. As labor progresses, the fetus is subjected to varying levels of stress from uterine contractions, which can affect its oxygen supply. Signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, indicate that the fetus may not be tolerating labor well, potentially due to insufficient oxygenation or other complications.

In contrast, the first and second trimesters are periods of development where significant changes are occurring, and instances of fetal distress are not typical during this early stage. After birth, the assessment of the newborn's well-being becomes a focus, but the term "fetal distress" specifically refers to the condition of the fetus during pregnancy and labor, hence the lack of relevance for the time frame after birth.

Thus, recognizing the signs of fetal distress during labor is crucial for timely intervention, making this time frame particularly critical for monitoring both maternal and fetal health.