Abstract
This study is aimed at assessing the usefulness and correlation between measurement of fetal blood acid-base status and continuous fetal heart rate monitoring as indicators of fetal hypoxia during labor. One hundred and twenty-nine labors were studied, the majority having some obstetric condition which could increase the possibility of fetal hypoxia. When scalp blood pH was < 7.20, the baby was likely to be born with a low Apgar score (mean, 3.6). Of 23 fetuses with acidosis, 2 were stillborn and one died neonatally. In the presence of clinical evidence of fetal distress measurement of fetal blood acid-base status improved prognostic accuracy threefold. The importance of fetal heart rate changes during contractions was confirmed. Two abnormal heart rate patterns were distinguished, these being associated with low Apgar scores. A correlation was also found between abnormal fetal heart rate patterns and the presence of fetal acidosis. All other heart rate patterns were associated with high mean Apgar scores. Both fetal heart rate monitoring and fetal blood acid-base measurement are valuable in assessing fetal condition and are complementary to each other.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
