Maternal oxygen administration for suspected impaired fetal growth.

Abstract

Fetal hypoxaemia is often a feature of fetal growth impairment. It has been suggested that perinatal outcome after suspected impaired fetal growth might be improved by giving mothers continuous oxygen until delivery. The objective was to assess the effects of maternal oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Acceptably controlled trials comparing maternal oxygen therapy with no oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth. Eligibility and trial quality was assessed. Two studies involving 62 women were included. Oxygenation compared with no oxygenation was associated with a lower perinatal mortality rate (relative risk 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.78). However higher gestational age in the oxygenation groups may have accounted for the difference in mortality rates. There is not enough evidence to evaluate the benefits and risks of maternal oxygen therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth.