Intrapartum assessment of the fetus: historical and evidence-based practice.
The principal purpose of intrapartum fetal assessment is to detect hypoxemia-ischemia, which may lead to fetal jeopardy. A quarter century ago, electronic fetal monitoring replaced intermittent auscultation as the primary method of intrapartum fetal assessment in the United States. It seems that electronic fetal monitoring will continue to be the primary mode of intrapartum fetal assessment, with intermittent auscultation used in some centers primarily for low-risk parturients. From this abridged history of intrapartum fetal monitoring, it is recognized that all surveillance methods bear inherent limitations.
Dildy
Gary A
GA
Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LSU Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, Room 517, New Orleans, LA 70112-2822, USA. gdildy3@lsuhsc.edu
D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014481:United States