Severe fetal distress in labor is an obstetric emergency which may result in the delivery of a severely asphyxiated baby or even death of the fetus. This problem may be compounded by a hurried mechanical vaginal delivery or by delay before a cesarean section can be performed. The rationale for using a beta sympathomimetric drug as a temporizing measure in the treatment of fetal distress to prevent deterioration in and even to improve the condition of the fetus before delivery is discussed. Six cases are described in which hexoprenaline (Ipradol), a beta2-selective sympathomimetic drug, has been administered as a 10 microgram intravenous bolus in the treatment of acute fetal distress in labor.