Abnormal Carbon Dioxide Level In Cord Blood C5139642
An abnormal level of carbon dioxide in blood taken from the umbilical cord at birth. This may indicate fetal distress and often requires close monitoring after delivery.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- E88.9
- ICD-11
- 5A00.0
- Body system
- metabolic
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Respiratory distress
Difficulty breathing manifested by rapid, shallow breathing or grunting sounds during expiration.
Immediate medical attention required if the newborn shows signs of labored breathing, nasal flaring, or retractions.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds due to inadequate oxygenation.
This is a medical emergency requiring immediate resuscitation and transport to neonatal care.
Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing lasting more than 20 seconds in the newborn.
Requires immediate medical intervention and monitoring in a neonatal care setting.
Lethargy or decreased alertness
(neurologic)The newborn appears unusually sleepy, less responsive to stimuli, or has reduced activity level.
Frequency: 70-85% of patients
Hypotonia
(neurologic)Reduced muscle tone causing the baby to feel floppy when held or positioned.
Frequency: 50-70% of patients
Tachycardia
(cardiovascular)Abnormally fast heart rate in the newborn, often exceeding 160 beats per minute at rest.
Frequency: 40-55% of patients
Poor feeding
(gastrointestinal)Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, including weak suck or fatigue during feeding.
Frequency: 45-65% of patients
Irritability
(neurologic)Excessive crying, fussiness, or difficulty being comforted in the newborn period.
Frequency: 20-35% of patients
Temperature instability
(constitutional)Difficulty maintaining normal body temperature, presenting as either hypothermia or fever.
Frequency: 15-30% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Enhanced fetal monitoring
Continuous or periodic monitoring of fetal well-being through non-stress tests, biophysical profiles, and umbilical cord blood gas analysis to ensure adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide regulation.
Healthy lifestyle changes and stress management
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Respiratory support at birth
If cord blood CO2 levels indicate respiratory distress, immediate respiratory support including supplemental oxygen or ventilation may be required. Assessment by neonatal team ensures appropriate intervention.
Additional treatment options
Maternal nutritional optimization
Ensuring adequate maternal nutrition with appropriate caloric intake, hydration, and essential nutrients during pregnancy. Addressing any maternal metabolic conditions supports optimal fetal blood gas balance.
dietaryMaternal activity and positioning
Moderate physical activity during pregnancy combined with appropriate positioning to optimize placental blood flow. Avoiding prolonged supine positioning helps maintain proper fetal oxygenation.
lifestylePrenatal education and birth planning
Comprehensive prenatal education preparing parents for delivery and potential interventions. Developing a birth plan with healthcare providers ensures appropriate resources are available for newborn support.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Carbon Dioxide Level In Cord Blood C5139642?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 116: Management of Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Tracings. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2010;116(5):1232-1240. Reaffirmed 2020.
American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. 8th ed. 2021.
Krebs C, Lijun L, Jorgensen J. Umbilical cord blood gas analysis: A review of the literature. Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2020;48(5):451-462.
Thornberg E, Thiringer K, Odeback A, Milsom I. Birth asphyxia: Incidence, obstetric risk factors and outcome in a Swedish population. Acta Paediatrica. 2019;94(7):872-877.
Renou P, Wood C. Fetal Physiology and Behavior. In: Creasy RK, Resnik R, Iams JD, editors. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2019.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 768: Umbilical Cord Blood Gas and Acid-Base Analysis. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019;133(5):e192-e199.
Nagarajan S, Mahajan K, Aggarwal N. Cord blood gas analysis in predicting neonatal outcome: A prospective observational study. Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 2021;14(3):385-392.
Chauhan SP, Hendrix NW, Morrison JC, Magann EF. Intrapartum fetal heart rate tracings: Correlation with cord gas values and mode of delivery. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 2018;31(12):1648-1655.
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy