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Fetal pulse oximetry allows direct non-invasive measurement of fetal oxygen saturation to assess the ability of a fetus to cope with the stress of labor. Sensor design has evolved to overcome the relative inaccessibility of the fetus during labor and the low saturation values that are a feature of fetal circulation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that fetal oxygen saturation alters with maternal position and maternal oxygen administration, but not with epidural analgesia. Although the value of fetal pulse oximetry in determining urgency of delivery has been established, clinical use has declined due to the lack of influence on overall cesarean section rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]