Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring Research Articles

O6 - Does the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring influence women’s experiences of labour? A systematic integrative review

O6 - Does the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring influence women’s experiences of labour? A systematic integrative review

The effect of continuous electronic fetal monitoring on mode of delivery and neonatal outcome among low-risk laboring mothers at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) has been widely used in obstetric practice for over 40 years to improve perinatal outcomes. Its popularity is growing in Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan African countries to reduce high perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. However, its impact on delivery mode and perinatal outcomes in low-risk pregnancies remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of continuous EFM on delivery mode and neonatal outcomes among low-risk laboring mothers at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A prospective follow-up study was conducted from November 20, 2023, to January 10, 2024. All low-risk laboring mothers meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Data were collected via pretested structured questionnaires and observation, then analyzed using Epi-data 4.6 and SPSS. The incidences of cesarean delivery and continuous EFM were compared using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. The study found higher rates of instrumental-assisted vaginal delivery (7% vs. 2.4%) and cesarean sections (16% vs. 2%) due to unsettling fetal heart rate patterns in the continuous EFM group compared to the intermittent auscultation group. However, there were no differences in immediate neonatal outcomes between the groups. When compared to intermittent auscultation with a Pinard fetoscope, the routine use of continuous EFM among low-risk laboring mothers was associated with an increased risk of cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries, without significantly improving immediate newborn outcomes. However, it is important to note that our study faced significant logistical constraints due to the limited availability of EFM devices, which influenced our ability to use EFM comprehensively. Given these limitations, we recommend avoiding the routine use of continuous EFM for low-risk laboring mothers to help reduce the rising number of operative deliveries, particularly cesarean sections. Our findings should be interpreted with caution, and further research with adequate resources is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Oral misoprostol alone, compared with oral misoprostol followed by oxytocin, in women induced for hypertension of pregnancy: A multicentre randomised trial.

To assess whether, in those requiring continuing uterine stimulation after cervical ripening with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, augmentation with low-dose oral misoprostol is superior to intravenous oxytocin. Open-label, superiority randomised trial. Government hospitals in India. Women who were induced for hypertensive disease in pregnancy and had undergone cervical ripening with oral misoprostol, but required continuing stimulation after artificial membrane rupture. Participants received misoprostol (25 micrograms, orally, 2-hourly) or titrated oxytocin through an infusion pump. All women had one-to-one care; fetal monitoring was conducted using a mixture of intermittent and continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Caesarean birth. A total of 520 women were randomised and the baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The caesarean section rate was not reduced with the use of misoprostol (misoprostol, 84/260, 32.3%, vs oxytocin, 71/260, 27.3%; aOR 1.23; 95% CI 0.81-1.85; P = 0.33). The interval from randomisation to birth was somewhat longer with misoprostol (225 min, 207-244 min, vs 194 min, 179-210 min; aOR 1.137; 95% CI 1.023-1.264; P = 0.017). There were no cases of hyperstimulation in either arm. The rates of fetal heart rate abnormalities and maternal side effects were similar. Fewer babies in the misoprostol arm were admitted to the special care unit (10 vs 21 in the oxytocin group; aOR 0.463; 95% CI 0.203-1.058; P = 0.068) and there were no neonatal deaths in the misoprostol group, compared with three neonatal deaths in the oxytocin arm. Women's acceptability ratings were high in both study groups. Following cervical preparation with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, the use of continuing oral misoprostol for augmentation did not significantly reduce caesarean rates, compared with the use of oxytocin. There were no hyperstimulation or significant adverse events in either arm of the trial.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of oligohydramnios in late term and post term pregnancies at public hospitals in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe prevalence of oligohydramnios ranges from 12 to 14% after 41 weeks to as high as 30% in post term pregnancies. Oligohydramnios poses a dilemma in the choice of mode of labor and delivery in a setup where there is lack of continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labor. The condition also puts the mother at risks of operative interventions and cesarean delivery. We aimed to asses the maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with oligohydramnios in late term and post term pregnancy in this study.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers with diagnosis of oligohydramnios after 40+ 6 weeks of gestation at four hospitals at four public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Logistic regression were performed to assess factors associated with the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.ResultsFrom a total of 142 mothers with oligohydramnios in late term and post tem pregnancies, 40.8% delivered through cesarean section. Spontaneous labor and elective cesarean section were more likely to occurr in parous women (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.06–6.04, p = 0.04), but with less likely in those with secondary level education (AOR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02–0.74, p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse outcomes between those who had induction of labor and those who had either spontaneous labor or had elective cesarean section.ConclusionsThe adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in late term and post term pregnancies with oligohydramnios may not be different among different modes of delivery. Induction of labor can be safe in these particular group of women with intermittent auscultation with fetoscope in a setup where continuous electronic fetal monitoring is not readily available.

Intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring features associated with a clinical diagnosis of nonreassuring fetal status

Nonreassuring fetal status detected by continuous electronic fetal monitoring accounts for almost 1 in 4 primary cesarean deliveries. However, given the subjective nature of the diagnosis, there is a need to identify the electronic fetal monitoring patterns that are clinically considered nonreassuring. This study aimed to describe which electronic fetal monitoring features are most commonly associated with first-stage cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status, and to evaluate the risk of neonatal acidemia following cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status. This was a nested case-control study in a prospectively collected cohort of patients with singleton pregnancies at ≥37 weeks' gestation, admitted in spontaneous labor or for induction of labor from 2010 to 2014 at a single tertiary care center. Patients with preterm pregnancies, multiple gestations, planned cesarean delivery, or nonreassuring fetal status in the second stage of labor were excluded. Cases were identified as having nonreassuring fetal status on the basis of what was documented in the operative note by the delivering physician. Controls were patients without nonreassuring fetal status within 1 hour of delivery. Cases were matched to controls in a 1:2 ratio by parity, obesity, and history of cesarean delivery. Electronic fetal monitoring data were abstracted by credentialed obstetrical research nurses for the 60 minutes before delivery. The primary exposure of interest was the incidence of high-risk category II electronic fetal monitoring features in the 60 minutes before delivery; in particular, the incidence of minimal variability, recurrent late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, tachycardia, and >1 prolonged deceleration were compared between groups. We also compared neonatal outcomes between cases and controls, including fetal acidemia (umbilical artery pH <7.1), other umbilical artery gas analytes, and neonatal and maternal outcomes. Of the 8580 patients in the parent study, 714 (8.3%) underwent cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status in the first stage of labor. Patients diagnosed with nonreassuring fetal status requiring cesarean delivery were more likely to have recurrent late decelerations, >1 prolonged deceleration, and recurrent variable decelerations compared with controls. More than 1 prolonged deceleration was associated with 6 times increased rate of nonreassuring fetal status diagnosis resulting in cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 6.73 [95% confidence interval, 2.47-8.33]). Rates of fetal tachycardia were similar between groups. Minimal variability was less common in the nonreassuring fetal status group compared with controls (adjusted odds ratio, 0.36 [95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.54]). Compared with control deliveries, cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status was associated with nearly 7 times higher risk of neonatal acidemia (7.2% vs 1.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 6.93 [95% confidence interval, 3.83-12.54]). Composite neonatal morbidity and composite maternal morbidity were more likely among patients delivered for nonreassuring fetal status in the first stage (3.9% vs 1.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 5.70 [2.60-12.49]; and 13.3% vs 8.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.99 [1.41-2.80]). Although multiple category II electronic fetal monitoring features have been traditionally linked to acidemia, the presence of recurrent late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, and prolonged decelerations seemed to concern obstetricians enough to surgically intervene for nonreassuring fetal status. A clinical intrapartum diagnosis of nonreassuring fetal status in the setting of these electronic fetal monitoring features is also associated with increased risk of acidemia, suggesting clinical validity to the diagnosis of nonreassuring fetal status.

Australian women’s experiences of wearing a non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NIFECG) device during labour

BackgroundContinuous electronic fetal monitoring devices can restrict women’s freedom of movement and choice of positioning during labour and birth. Despite the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring for the past 50 years, little attention has been paid to women’s experiences of wearing different fetal monitoring devices in labour. AimTo explore women’s views and experiences of wearing a beltless continuous electronic fetal monitoring device, the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram during labour. MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Recruitment was via a larger clinical feasibility study. Some women who consented to take part in the clinical feasibility study also consented to being interviewed during the postnatal period. Transcripts were thematically analysed. FindingsWomen reported improved comfort when wearing the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram device. They appreciated how it enabled freedom of movement and an ability to actively participate in labour. They compared their experience with previous use of cardiotocography which they felt compromised their bodily autonomy. All forms of continuous electronic fetal monitoring experienced by women resulted in the unwelcome experience of ‘Poking and prodding’ by the midwife. DiscussionContinuous electronic fetal monitoring can negatively impact women’s labour and birth experience, particularly when the measurement of fetal wellbeing is prioritised. ConclusionThe way in which continuous electronic fetal monitoring technology is designed and used is an important component of optimising physiological processes and positive experiences for women during labour and birth for women with complex pregnancies. Non-invasive fetal electrocardiograpy is a promising additional option for women.

Defensive versus evidence-based medical technology: Liability risk and electronic fetal monitoring in low-risk births

Technology-intensive birth practices are a hallmark of the overmedicalization of birth. For example, obstetricians routinely use continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), even though this technology is not evidence-based, has a high rate of false positives, and does not improve outcomes in low-risk deliveries. Providers often argue that they must use EFM to protect themselves from malpractice liability, making it a form of defensive medicine. But does variation in actual liability risk contribute significantly to the use of non-evidence-based medical technology like EFM? This study uses multi-level logistic models to examine the effects of malpractice laws and lawsuits on EFM in low-risk births from 1995 to 2003. The models test the hypothesis that state-level variation in liability risk should influence the probability of EFM use. The models reveal that the probability of reporting EFM is higher when states artificially reduce liability risk by capping damage awards, suggesting that objective liability risk does not promote routine EFM and may deter it. In fact, caps on damages limit providers’ legal exposure without doing anything to encourage higher quality care. It is possible that states without tort reforms place greater emphasis on patient rights, safety, and quality of care. On the other hand, by reducing liability risk without encouraging improvements in quality, tort reform laws may inadvertently promote more technology use.

Using Institutional Ethnography to Explicate the Everyday Realities of Nurses’ Work in Labor and Delivery

Fetal health surveillance is a significant everyday work responsibility for labor and delivery nurses. Here, nursing care is increasingly focused on technological interventions, particularly with the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Using Institutional Ethnography, we explored how nurses conduct this work and uncovered the ruling relations coordinating how nurses “do” fetal health surveillance. Analysis revealed how these powerful ruling relations associated with the biomedical and medical-legal discourses coordinated nurses’ fetal monitoring work. Forms requiring documentation of biophysical data caused nurses to focus on technological interventions with much less attention given to holistic and supportive care measures. In doing so, nurses inadvertently activated and participated in these powerful ruling discourses. The practice of ensuring the safe birth of the baby through advances in technological surveillance and medical interventions took priority over well-established approaches to holistic nursing care.

Meconium - Stained Amniotic Fluid in Labour – its Significance and Correlation to Early Maternal and Neonatal Outcome – A Prospective Case Control Study in A Tertiary Care Center

Background: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a well-known factor which associated with significant adverse pregnancy outcomes. Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) occurs in about 5% of deliveries with MSAF and death occurs in about 12% of infants with MAS. The significance of meconium claimed to be varied from being entirely physiological, which exhibits sign of fetal maturity, to a sign of fetal distress as a response to hypoxic insult to the foetus. This study was carried out in a tertiary care centre; with the aim of detecting the significance of MSAF. Additionally, this study compares the fetal and maternal outcome in deliveries complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid and critically evaluates the associated predisposing maternal and fetal factors for MSAF. Method: This prospective case-control study was carried out in Colombo South Teaching Hospital (University Professorial Obstetrics Unit), Sri Lanka. Women who presented to the unit with pre-defined selection protocol were recruited to the study until the sample size (n = 216 in each arm) is achieved. The Sample was categorized in to two groups depend on the presence or absence of Meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Mean, standard deviation, median and 95% confidence interval are computed for quantitative variables. Chi-square test is applied for calculating the statistical significance of variables such as grades of meconium and Apgar score at 95% confidence interval. The p-value &lt;0.05 and 95% confident interval was utilised to assess the statistical significance. Results: Presence of diabetes in current pregnancy was a significant risk factor for meconium-stained amniotic fluid at delivery with odd ratio of 2.397 (95% Confident Interval 1.203 - 3.568) and p value of &lt;0.00.1. There is a statistically significant association between the mode of delivery and the nature of meconium with odd ratio of 3.029 (95% Confident Interval 1.887 – 3.136) and p value &lt; 0.001, when its moderate to thick meconium staining. Presence of moderate to thick meconium increase the risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity with increased NICU admissions, which is both statistically and clinically significant with odd ratio of 2.412 (95% Confident Interval 1.674 - 3.199) and p value 0.005 when compared with thin meconium staining. Overall, there is a 2-fold rise in operative vaginal deliveries and EM-LSCS (Emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section) in the presence of MSAF which accountable for 67.3% of the deliveries compared to 37.2% in the clear liquor group. The follow up of neonates at one month and three months of life, revealed no statistically significant concerns on the development of these babies in either arm of the study population. Conclusion: Presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is one of the common indications for caesarean delivery. Therefore, the results of this study may help to reduce the number caesarean sections carried out when the meconium is detected during labour. Presence of thin MSAF can be physiological following gut maturation of term foetuses, thus utilization of continuous electronic fetal monitoring can reliably cut down the caesarean section rates without adding numbers to the adverse perinatal outcomes. On the other hand, timely interventions upon detection of abnormal Cardiotocography (CTG), such as operative vaginal delivery or EM-LSCS, can significantly minimise these adverse neonatal outcomes. Abnormal CTG in a clinical background of moderate to thick meconium is more alarming, which warrant urgent interventions compared to the presence of thin / lightly stained meconium.

A STUDY TO EVALUATE MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOME IN TERM PREGNANCY WITH MECONIUM STAINED AMNIOTIC FLUID: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN INDIA

Background: Globally, 7-22% of all live births are complicated by meconium stained amniotic uid (MSAF). MSAF is considered a predictor of adverse fetal outcome, and meconium aspiration syndrome, a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to nd out the incidence of MSAF and to nd a clinical correlation of neonatal outcome with amnioinfusion and mode of delivery among the study groups. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, India from October 2017 to March 2019. 206 patients who fullled the inclusion criteria were studied. Subgroups of with/without amnioinfusion were analyzed in terms of mode of delivery and neonatal outcome. Results: The incidence of MSAF in term pregnancies was found to be 9.13 %. Patients were divided into 2 study groups: thick MSAF and thin MSAF. 76.2% of patients were managed with amnioinfusion. A signicant reduction in the number of cesarean sections observed among patients with thick MSAF. A signicant improvement in APGAR score was observed in newborns with amnioinfusion for thick MSAF. There was a decrease in neonatal intensive care unit stay, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Taking the risks of MSAF into consideration, a trial of labour should be given where continuous electronic fetal monitoring and emergency cesarean section facilities are available. Amnioinfusion decreased the rate of emergency cesarean section and improved the APGAR score in patients with thick MSAF.

Harnessing technology to enable all women mobility in labour and birth: feasibility of implementing beltless non-invasive fetal ECG applying the NASSS framework

BackgroundA new wireless and beltless monitoring device utilising fetal and maternal electrocardiography (ECG) and uterine electromyography, known as ‘non-invasive fetal ECG’ (NIFECG) was registered for clinical use in Australia in 2018. The safety and reliability of NIFECG has been demonstrated in controlled settings for short periods during labour. As far as we are aware, at the time our study commenced, this was globally the first trial of such a device in an authentic clinical setting for the entire duration of a woman’s labour.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of using NIFECG fetal monitoring for women undergoing continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labour and birth. Women were eligible to participate in the study if they were at 36 weeks gestation or greater with a singleton pregnancy, planning to give birth vaginally and with obstetric indications as per local protocol (NSW Health Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Guideline GL2018_025. 2018) for continuous intrapartum fetal monitoring. Written informed consent was received from participating women in antenatal clinic prior to the onset of labour. This single site clinical feasibility study took place between January and July 2020 at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, Australia.Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to inform the analysis of results using the NASSS (Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale up, Spread and Sustainability) framework, a validated tool for analysing the implementation of new health technologies into clinical settings.ResultsWomen responded positively about the comfort and freedom of movement afforded by the NIFECG. Midwives reported that when no loss of contact occurred, the device enabled them to focus less on the technology and more on supporting women’s physical and emotional needs during labour. Midwives and obstetricians noticed the benefits for women but expressed a need for greater certainty about the reliability of the signal.ConclusionThe NIFECG device enables freedom of movement and positioning for labouring women and was well received by women and the majority of clinicians. Whilst measurement of the uterine activity was reliable, there was uncertainty for clinicians in relation to loss of contact of the fetal heart rate. If this can be ameliorated the device shows potential to be used as routinely as cardiotocography (CTG) for fetal monitoring. This is the first time the NASSS framework has been used to synthesise the implementation needs of a health technology in the care of women during labour and birth. Our findings contribute new knowledge about the determinants for implementation of a complex technology in a maternity care setting.Trial registrationThe Universal Trial Number is reU1111-1228-9845 and the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration Number is 12619000293167p. Trial registration occurred on the 20 February, 2019. The trial protocol may be viewed at http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377027

Outpatient labour induction.

The inexorable rise in induction rates over the past two decades, in parallel with increasing medical costs and pressure to reduce length of stay, has led to marked logistic difficulties for health care workers, managers and planners. Maternity services are being overwhelmed by the need to allocate staff and delivery suite space for the scheduling and undertaking of induction processes, rather than focussing care for women in spontaneous labour. Induction of labour according to the majority of current protocols and guidelines necessitates increased length of stay and relatively aggressive use of oxytocin (to reduce the time expended in the labour ward from artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) to establishment of labour). This increased oxytocin usage requires increased use of continuous electronic foetal monitoring, and may also increase epidural usage, further increasing the complexity of labour for the woman and her health care workers. Outpatient care after cervical priming and even outpatient care after AROM may help to ease these pressures and may reduce the medicalisation of the birth experience when induction is indicated, with a potential to reduce oxytocin use and associated interventions. If the period between cervical priming to AROM is managed as outpatient care, then the woman may be able to find better psychological and social support at home, as well as maintain autonomy and get better rest prior to the onset of labour. Inpatient AROM could also be followed by outpatient care until the pregnant person returns to the hospital, either in spontaneous labour, or for initiation of syntocinon after 12-18h. High-quality research has already demonstrated that outpatient care for cervical ripening is acceptable to mothers and caregivers, has economic benefits and has an acceptable safety profile in appropriately selected low-risk inductions.

Wanting to be ‘with woman’, not with machine: Midwives’ experiences of caring for women being continuously monitored in labour

ProblemSome continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CEFM) devices restrict women’s bodily autonomy by limiting their mobility in labour and birth. BackgroundLittle is known about how midwives perceive the impact of CEFM technologies on their practice. AimThis paper explores the way different fetal monitoring technologies influence the work of midwives. MethodsWireless and beltless ‘non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram’ (NIFECG) was trialled on 110 labouring women in an Australian maternity hospital. A focus group pertaining to midwives’ experiences of using CTG was conducted prior to the trial. After the trial, midwives were asked about their experiences of using NIFECG. All data were analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsMidwives felt that wired CTG creates barriers to physiological processes. Whilst wireless CTG enables greater freedom of movement for women, it requires constant ‘fiddling’ from midwives, drawing their attention away from the woman. Midwives felt the NIFECG better enabled them to be ‘with woman’. DiscussionMidwives play a pivotal role in mediating the influence of CEFM on women’s experiences in labour. Exploring the way in which different forms of CEFM impact on midwives’ practice may assist us to better understand how to prioritise the woman in order to facilitate safe and satisfying birth experiences. ConclusionThe presence of CEFM technology in the birth space impacts midwives’ ways of working and their capacity to be woman-centred. Current CTG technology may impede midwives’ capacity to be ‘with woman’. Compared to the CTG, the NIFECG has the potential to enable midwives to provide more woman-centred care for those experiencing complex pregnancies.

Estimation and Discriminability of Doppler Ultrasound Fetal Heart Rate Variability Measures.

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring and the access to databases of fetal heart rate (FHR) data have sparked the application of machine learning classifiers to identify fetal pathologies. However, most fetal heart rate data are acquired using Doppler ultrasound (DUS). DUS signals use autocorrelation (AC) to estimate the average heartbeat period within a window. In consequence, DUS FHR signals loses high frequency information to an extent that depends on the length of the AC window. We examined the effect of this on the estimation bias and discriminability of frequency domain features: low frequency power (LF: 0.03–0.15 Hz), movement frequency power (MF: 0.15–0.5 Hz), high frequency power (HF: 0.5–1 Hz), the LF/(MF + HF) ratio, and the nonlinear approximate entropy (ApEn) as a function of AC window length and signal to noise ratio. We found that the average discriminability loss across all evaluated AC window lengths and SNRs was 10.99% for LF 14.23% for MF, 13.33% for the HF, 10.39% for the LF/(MF + HF) ratio, and 24.17% for ApEn. This indicates that the frequency domain features are more robust to the AC method and additive noise than the ApEn. This is likely because additive noise increases the irregularity of the signals, which results in an overestimation of ApEn. In conclusion, our study found that the LF features are the most robust to the effects of the AC method and noise. Future studies should investigate the effect of other variables such as signal drop, gestational age, and the length of the analysis window on the estimation of fHRV features and their discriminability.

Experiences and outcomes on the use of telemetry to monitor the fetal heart during labour: findings from a mixed methods study

BackgroundWireless continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CEFM) using telemetry offers potential for increased mobility during labour. United Kingdom national recommendations are that telemetry should be offered to all women having CEFM during labour. There is limited contemporary evidence on experiences of telemetry use or impacts it may have. AimTo gather in-depth knowledge about the experiences of women and midwives using telemetry, and to assess any impact that its use may have on clinical outcomes, mobility in labour, control or satisfaction. MethodsA convergent parallel mixed-methods study was employed. Grounded theory was adopted for interviews and analysis of 13 midwives, 10 women and 2 partners. Satisfaction, positions during labour and clinical outcome data was analysed from a cohort comparing telemetry (n = 64) with wired CEFM (n = 64). Qualitative and quantitative data were synthesised to give deeper understanding. FindingsWomen using telemetry were more mobile and adopted more upright positions during labour. The core category A Sense of Normality encompassed themes of ‘Being Free, Being in Control’, ‘Enabling and Facilitating’ and ‘Maternity Unit Culture’. Greater mobility resulted in increased feelings of internal and external control and increased perceptions of autonomy, normality and dignity. There was no difference in control or satisfaction between cohort groups. ConclusionsWhen CEFM is used during labour, telemetry provides an opportunity to improve experience and support physiological capability. The use of telemetry during labour contributes to humanising birth for women who have CEFM and its use places them at the centre and in control of their birth experience.

Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations in Women with Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

Emerging literature has shown that women with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) have increased risk for gestational hypertension/preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Case reports suggest an association between maternal apnea and fetal heart rate deceleration but data are lacking on how maternal sleep impacts fetal health. Since decelerations may be associated with adverse outcomes, we sought to determine whether fetal heart rate decelerations were associated with SDB. A cohort study of third trimester pregnant women with a singleton fetus was conducted. Participants underwent a home sleep test with continuous portable electronic fetal monitoring. SDB was defined as a respiratory disturbance index (RDI)≥10 events/hour. The temporality between a respiratory event and fetal heart rate decelerations was determined to be present if a deceleration occurred < 30 s after a respiratory event. Forty women were included with mean (±SD) age, BMI, and gestational age of 32.0±5.5 years, 37.1±8.0 kg/m2, and 34.6±2.4 weeks respectively. Overall, n=23 (57.5%) women had SDB. Thirty-seven late decelerations were observed in 18 women; of these, 84% were temporally associated with a respiratory event. Nine of the 18 women (50%) had SDB. Ten prolonged decelerations were observed in 6 women of which nine (90%) were temporally associated with a respiratory event. Five of the six women (83%) had an RDI≥10. These initial data suggest that, in this population, the majority of both late and prolonged fetal heart rate decelerations occur with a maternal respiratory event. Since respiratory events are characteristic of maternal SDB, this raises the possibility that SDB may influence fetal well-being.

1002 What category II features prompt the diagnosis of NRFS in the first stage?

Non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), as detected by continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), is a common indication for cesarean delivery (CD) in the first stage. This study aims to identify Category II EFM features that place patients at risk for CD for NRFS. We performed a nested case control study of singleton term pregnancies admitted for labor or induction. Cases were patients with NRFS as the sole indication for CD in the first stage. Controls were all other deliveries without NRFS. We excluded patients with NRFS as a co-indication for CD and second stage NRFS. Trained obstetrical research nurses extracted EFM data from the 60 mins before delivery. The primary outcome was a composite of high risk category II EFM features including minimal variability, recurrent late or variable decelerations, >1 prolonged deceleration, or tachycardia. Secondary outcomes were individual components of the composite, total deceleration area (TDA) and TDA ≥ 90th percentile. We performed a sensitivity analysis comparing first stage CD for NRFS to first stage CD without NRFS. 476 patients had a first stage CD for NRFS. There were 7500 patients who delivered without NRFS. Although presence of composite high-risk Category II EFM features was similar between CD for NRFS and control deliveries [34.7% vs 32.8%, aOR 1.23; 95% CI 0.90-1.69], those undergoing CD for NRFS were more likely to have recurrent late decelerations and ≥ 1 prolonged deceleration and less likely to have minimal variability. TDA was higher in the NRFS group, however TDA>90th percentile was similar between groups. In a sensitivity analysis of first stage CD for NRFS vs first stage CD without NRFS, those with NRFS were more likely to have composite high risk Category II features [aOR 3.59; 95% CI 2.21-5.83]. The majority of first stage CD for NRFS do not have Category II EFM features previously described as ‘high-risk’ for adverse outcomes. Recurrent late and prolonged decelerations are the most common features prompting providers to perform a first stage CD for NRFS.

Perinatal practical guidelines on COVID-19: what one should know to reduce the risk

Risk of COVID-19 in pregnant woman is the same as that in the general population but as pregnancy is a state of immunosuppression along with other physiological respiratory and immune changes. A pregnant woman might show more severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Health care employees should be permitted to meet pregnant women through managed home visits and with help of teleconsultations. Mothers should follow meticulous hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes and social distancing because they have key role in restricting spread of infection. Protein rich diet, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, iron and folic acid are very necessary components to be consumed by antenatal woman. It may help to protect mother and baby by having certain vaccines during pregnancy such as the influenza, tetanus and Tdap vaccines. Pregnant women with major risk of exposure/COVID-19 symptoms and no emergency obstetric issues should be stated for testing outside the hospital. Pregnant women without urgent obstetric issues awaiting results should stay at home to self-isolate. Those with emergency obstetric issues should be managed in labour room devoted to COVID-19 patients. Mode of delivery depends upon obstetrical indication and health condition of mother. Regular assessment of respiratory condition should be done during labour along with continuous electronic foetal monitoring. The WHO encourage mothers with COVID-19 to hold and breastfeed their babies because close connection is essential for new-born but to reduce risk of transmission temporary separation of new born from mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is considered strongly.

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring during prolonged labor may be a risk factor for having a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

In just 50 years the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has vaulted from extremely rare to common in every community. During this time, a large body of scientific literature has been amassed regarding what environmental, genetic, maternal, or obstetric factors may be at work. The hypothesis presented here identifies two developments in today’s childbirth experience that, in combination, may provide the key: 1) a significant increase in the mean duration of labor and 2) the adoption of continuous electronic fetal monitoring utilizing Doppler ultrasound as the standard of care even in low-risk pregnancies. Together, these two factors have created an unprecedented fetal environment that has the potential to affect neuronal migration and cause non-inherited genetic disruptions. This paper will briefly describe the nature and history of contributing factors, why there may be a link between evolving maternal characteristics, obstetric trends and the increase in autism, as well as the means by which the hypothesis can be tested.

Economic evaluation of computerised interpretation of fetal heart rate during labour: a cost-consequence analysis alongside the INFANT study

ObjectiveEconomic evaluation of computerised decision-support software intended to assist in the interpretation of a cardiotocography (CTG) during birth.DesignIndividual patient level data from the INFANT study (an unmasked randomised controlled trial).SettingMaternity...