INTRAPARTUM ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING IN LOW-RISK PREGNANCIES

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (3) , 301-304
Abstract
The value of human fetal monitoring in low-risk pregnancies was evaluated in 4278 [low-risk] deliveries. An irreproachable tracing was recording less than half the cases. Fetal heart rate changes demanding scalp pH measurements or operative intervention for fetal distress occurred in about 10% of all deliveries. In only 30 patients (0.7%) was cesarean section performed for fetal distress. No intrapartal deaths occurred. Perinatal mortality (antenatal deaths excluded) was 0.14%. Only 3 of 1000 newborns had an Apgar score less than 7 at 5 min. The reported negative implications of routine fetal monitoring, such as overdiagnosis of fetal distress, cannot be verified when electronic fetal monitoring and pH measurements are combined. Excellent fetal outcome suggests benefits from routine electronic fetal monitoring even in low-risk pregnancies.

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