Antepartum fetal pulse oximetry.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the feasibility of antepartum fetal pulse oximetry by using a specially designed probe.


METHODS
Twenty multiparous patients at term planned for induction of labor. The probe was passed through the cervix and held against the fetal scalp. Two laser diodes provided light in the near-infrared spectral region. Only reflected signals of both wavelengths which were consistent in pulse frequency and phase and with an AC/DC ratio of > 0.02% were considered usable.


RESULTS
Usable measurements were obtained in 16 out of 20 cases. Overall usable signal time was 45% (range 30.2-61.5%). There was no accidental rupture of membranes. Mean fetal oxygen saturation was 76.1 +/- 6.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that antepartum fetal pulse oximetry is feasible once a specially designed probe and signal analysis system are used.
Lewinsky
R M
RM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Fine
I
I
D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy
D010100:Oxygen