Umbilical blood gas values are primarily used to?

Umbilical blood gas values are primarily used to establish the metabolic status of the fetus. These values provide critical information about the fetus's acid-base balance and oxygenation at the time of delivery. By analyzing umbilical arterial and venous blood gases, healthcare providers can determine whether the fetus experienced any hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) or acidosis (excess acidity) during labor. This helps in assessing the overall well-being of the fetus and any potential impact on neonatal outcomes.

Understanding the metabolic status of the fetus can guide follow-up care and is crucial for identifying infants who may need further intervention after birth. Such assessments are essential, especially in cases of suspected fetal distress, as they influence the management and planning of postnatal care. Thus, the correct focus on interpreting these values is to comprehend the metabolic status rather than directly guiding resuscitation efforts, determining immediate complications, or assessing fetal positioning.