Intrapartum fetal surveillance

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is the recommended method of intrapartum fetal surveillance for high-risk pregnancies. The cardiotocogram (CTG) trace forms a central piece of documentary evidence in medico-legal cases related to intrapartum hypoxia and birth asphyxia. Cardiotocography was introduced in 1960s as a screening tool with the view to reduce fetal hypoxic brain injury and cerebral palsy rates. However, its positive predictive value for intrapartum fetal hypoxia is as low as 30%, with false positive rate of around 60%.
Source: Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Case-based learning Source Type: research