title: Electronic fetal monitoring of the preterm fetus.
abstract: Following an analysis of the literature, this article reviews the current practices, guidelines, and recommendations for electronic fetal monitoring of the preterm fetus. The physiologic aspects of fetal heart rate control, electronic fetal monitor parameters, and differences between the preterm and term fetus are discussed. Clearly identified is the need for clinical research regarding electronic fetal monitoring of the preterm fetus to establish evidence-based practice guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne McMurtry
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.forename: Donna Jean
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ruth
mesh_terms: D004581:Electronics; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000592:standards; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity