The effect of labour on the fetal brain.
The importance of unimpeded brain structure and function at delivery is analysed, and the effect of labour on the fetal brain is discussed. Measurements of this effect are critically assayed, with reference to the subsequent potential development of the child. The present standards of obstetric and perinatal assessment are questioned and alternative measures suggested.
D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D011247:Pregnancy