Fetal heart rate auscultation: current and future practice.
Intermittent auscultation (IA) has been reported as equivalent to electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) as a fetal surveillance method in terms of neonatal outcomes based on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Despite recommendations to include IA as a primary method for fetal evaluation, EFM use predominates. Understanding the equipment, method, benefits and limitations, and strategies for implementing IA may assist nurses in providing informed choices for low-risk pregnant women.
Feinstein
N F
NF
University of Rochester, New York, USA.
D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006326:Heart Auscultation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy