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BACKGROUND: Fetal scalp electrodes are used routinely for intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring. The electrode is typically removed from the newborn's scalp immediately after vaginal delivery. However, there is no guidance on the timing of fetal scalp electrode removal in the event of an unplanned cesarean delivery. CASE: A 43-year-old woman with a prior cesarean delivery presented for gynecologic care with the chief symptom of chronic abdominal pain for 2 years. Imaging revealed a retained fetal scalp electrode in the abdominal cavity. The patient underwent an uncomplicated surgical extraction of the retained item, and her symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: A standardized protocol to manage and account for fetal scalp electrodes during an unplanned cesarean delivery is an important patient-safety measure to prevent surgical retention of fetal scalp electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal monitoring in the intrapartum and peripartum periods is important for the well-being of both baby and mother. Electronic fetal monitoring was first designed over 50 years ago in an attempt to improve perinatal outcomes. Its purpose is to assess fetal oxygenation and acid-base status during the antepartum course when indicated and during labor. Maternal assessment begins early in gestation with blood pressure monitoring and urine protein excretion to diagnose potential complications, such as severe hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of continuous electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has presented the obstetrician with a critical clinical conundrum: basic science observations suggest that such monitoring might be associated with improved long-term neurologic outcomes, yet, after a half century of use and millions of cesarean deliveries based on FHR monitoring, evidence for such improvement remains absent. This dichotomy appears to be related to widespread misconceptions regarding the physiology underlying various FHR patterns and the developmental origins of cerebral palsy. These misconceptions are strengthened by a reliance on anecdotal experience and tradition in lieu of evidence-based medicine, the confusing "category II" FHR designation, medical-legal considerations, and our tendency to view fetal monitoring, as originally conceptualized, as a single, indivisible entity whose concepts must be accepted or rejected en bloc. Ill-defined and largely imaginary conditions such as "depletion of fetal reserve" are particularly harmful and their use in clinical medicine uniquely not evidence based. A solution to this self-inflicted injury to our specialty will require a concerted effort involving teachers, authors, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate intrapartum resuscitation interventions and improvement in category II fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings.Methods: This secondary analysis of a randomized trial of intrapartum fetal electrocardiographic ST-segment analysis included all participants with category II FHR tracings undergoing intrauterine resuscitation: maternal oxygen, intravenous fluid bolus, amnioinfusion, or tocolytic administration. Fetal heart rate pattern-recognition software was used to confirm category II FHR tracings 30 minutes before intervention and to analyze the subsequent 60 minutes. The primary outcome was improvement to category I within 60 minutes. Secondary outcomes included FHR tracing improvement to category I 30-60 minutes after the intervention and composite neonatal outcome.Results: Of 11,108 randomized participants, 2,251 (20.3%) had at least one qualifying intervention for category II FHR tracings: 63.7% improved to category I within 60 minutes and 50.5% improved at 30-60 minutes. Only 3.4% underwent cesarean delivery and 4.1% an operative vaginal delivery for nonreassuring fetal status within 60 minutes after the intervention. Oxygen administration was the most common intervention (75.4%). Among American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists-defined subgroups that received oxygen, the absent FHR accelerations and absent-minimal FHR variability subgroup (n=332) was more likely to convert to category I within 60 minutes than the FHR accelerations or "moderate FHR variability" subgroup (n=1,919) (77.0% vs 63.0%, odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.7). The incidence of composite neonatal adverse outcome for category II tracings was 2.9% (95% CI 2.2-3.7%) overall; 2.8% (95% CI 2.0-3.8%) for improvement to category I within 60 minutes (n=1,433); and 3.2% (95% CI 2.1-4.6%) for no improvement within 60 minutes (n=818). However, the group with improvement had 29% lower odds for higher level neonatal care (11.8% vs 15.9%, OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.91).Conclusion: Nearly two thirds of category II FHR tracings improved to category I within 60 minutes of intervention with a relatively low overall rate of the composite neonatal adverse outcome.Funding Source: Funded in part by Neoventa Medical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy, clinical utility, and usability of a wireless fetal and maternal heartbeat monitor to monitor fetal heart rate (FHR).Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center study of a convenience sample of women aged 18 years or older with a singleton pregnancy of at least 12 weeks of gestation. Fetal heart rate recordings were performed using both the heartbeat monitor and cardiotocography to evaluate accuracy. Clinicians used the heartbeat monitor in the clinic. Women used the device, unassisted, during a clinic visit or at home. Obstetricians assessed the clinical utility of FHR traces. Women rated the heartbeat monitor using the System Usability Scale.Results: A total of 81 participants provided 126 recordings. The accuracy of the heartbeat monitor was excellent compared with cardiotocography, with limits of agreement (95%) for mean FHR between -1.6 (CI -2.0 to 1.3) and +1.0 (CI 0.7-1.4) beats per minute (bpm), mean difference -0.3 bpm, intraclass coefficient 0.99. The FHR was detected on all occasions. Clinicians took a median (interquartile range) of 0.5 (0.2-1.2) minutes to detect the FHR, obtaining a continuous trace of longer than 1 minute in 95% (39/41) of occasions. Home users took a median of 0.5 (0.2-2.0) minutes to detect the FHR, obtaining a continuous trace of longer than 1 minute in 92% (24/26) of occasions, with a median total trace time of 4.6 (4.4-4.8) minutes. The traces were deemed clinically useful in 100% (55/55) of clinician and 97% (31/32) of home recordings. The heartbeat monitor ranked in the 96-100th percentile for usability and learnability.Conclusion: The heartbeat monitor was accurate and easy for clinicians and participants to use. Data recorded at home were equivalent to those obtained using current assessment protocols for low-risk pregnancies, potentially allowing the device to be used in telehealth consultations.Clinical Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12620000739910.Funding Sources: The HeraBEAT devices used in this study were loaned by HeraMED Pty Ltd (HeraMED, Netanya, ISRAEL). The study was supported by PHI Research Group (not-for-profit), which was responsible for Statistician fees and Research Assistants' salaries. Joondalup Health Campus provided infrastructure support, and IT services in-kind to the PHI research group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of the category II fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing presents a common challenge in obstetrics. Up to 80% of women will have a category II FHR tracing at some point during labor. Here we propose a management algorithm to identify specific features of the FHR tracing that correlate with risk for fetal acidemia, target interventions to address FHR decelerations, and guide clinicians about when to proceed toward operative vaginal delivery or cesarean to achieve delivery before there is a high risk for significant fetal acidemia with potential for neurological injury or death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter describes several circumstances in which the interpretation of the intrapartum fetal heart rate pattern falls outside the usual frame of reference. This includes a more extensive discussion of causes of tachycardia and bradycardia. Ways in which a fetal dysrhythmia may manifest itself in the context of heart rate monitoring are described. Finally, the chapter reviews technological innovations designed to clarify the fetal status when compromise is suspected from the fetal heart rate pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has had limited success in preventing hypoxic injury to neonates. One of the most common limitations of FHR interpretation is the failure to consider chronic and acute clinical factors that may increase the risk of evolving acidemia. This manuscript reviews common clinical factors that may affect the FHR and should be considered when determining the need for early intervention based on changes in the FHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fetal heart rate can be used to assess the current metabolic state of the fetus and predict the risk of the evolution of metabolic acidemia through the course of labor. In this chapter, we will present the pathophysiology of the development of fetal acidemia and provide an organized approach to identifying the risk of worsening acidemia using changes noted in the fetal heart rate pattern to allow for interventions that might alter this course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association of fetal movement counting with perinatal mortality.Data Sources: Electronic databases (ie, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception until May 2019. Search terms used were: "fetal movement," "fetal movement counting," "fetal kick counting," "stillbirth," "fetal demise," "fetal mortality," and "perinatal death."Methods Of Study Selection: We included all randomized controlled trials comparing perinatal mortality in those women randomized to receive instructions for fetal movement counting compared with a control group of women without such instruction.Tabulation, Integration and Results: The primary outcome was perinatal mortality. Five of 1,290 identified articles were included, with 468,601 fetuses. Definitions of decreased fetal movement varied. In four of five studies, women in the intervention group were asked to contact their health care providers if they perceived decreased fetal movement; the fifth study did not provide details. Reported reduction in fetal movement usually resulted in electronic fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessment of fetal well-being. There was no difference in the incidence of perinatal outcome between groups. The incidence of perinatal death was 0.54% (1,252/229,943) in the fetal movement counting group and 0.59% (944/159,755) in the control group (relative risk [RR] 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-1.00). There were no statistical differences for other perinatal outcomes as stillbirths, neonatal deaths, birth weight less than 10th percentile, reported decreased fetal movement, 5-minute Apgar score less than 7, neonatal intensive care unit admission or perinatal morbidity. There were weak but significant increases in preterm delivery (7.6% vs 7.1%; RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.10), induction of labor (36.6% vs 31.6%; RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09-1.22), and cesarean delivery (28.2% vs 25.3%; RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.10-1.12).Conclusion: Instructing pregnant women on fetal movement counting compared with no instruction is not associated with a clear improvement in pregnancy outcomes. There are weak associations with some secondary outcomes such as preterm delivery, induction of labor, and cesarean delivery.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42019123264. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are 2 approaches to fetal assessment during labor: continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and intermittent auscultation (IA). The vast majority of healthy labors in the United States use EFM, despite professional organization recommendations against its use for low-risk pregnancies. This qualitative investigation explores maternity care team members' perspectives on why EFM is the dominant approach to fetal assessment instead of IA. Focus groups comprised of nurses, midwives, and physicians were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis to identify themes related to clinical and nonclinical factors influencing the type of fetal assessment employed during labor. Seven focus groups with a total of 41 participants were completed. Seven themes were identified: clinical environment; technology; policies, procedures, and evidence-based protocols; patient-centered influences; fear of liability; providers as members of healthcare team; and deflection of responsibility. All maternity care team members had knowledge of the evidence base supporting IA use for low-risk care. Nurses identified unique challenges in having agency over monitoring decision making and executing best practices. Improved communication among team members can facilitate evidence-based approaches to IA use, facilitating increased utilization for low-risk labor care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses can be exposed to hundreds of alarms during their shift, contributing to alarm fatigue. Purpose: The purposes were to explore similarities and differences in perceptions of clinical alarms by labor nurses caring for generally healthy women compared with perceptions of adult intensive care unit (ICU) and neonatal ICU nurses caring for critically ill patients and to seek nurses' suggestions for potential improvements. Methods: Nurses were asked via focus groups about the utility of clinical alarms from medical devices. Results: There was consensus that false alarms and too many devices generating alarms contributed to alarm fatigue, and most alarms lacked clinical relevance. Nurses identified certain types of alarms that they responded to immediately, but the vast majority of the alarms did not contribute to their clinical assessment or planned nursing care. Conclusions: Monitoring only those patients who need it and only those physiologic values that are warranted, based on patient condition, may decrease alarm burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess whether outpatient cervical ripening with a transcervical Foley catheter in parous women undergoing elective induction of labor shortens the total duration of time from admission to the labor ward until delivery.Methods: We performed an open-label randomized controlled trial at a single academic center in parous women at 39 weeks of gestation or greater with a cervix 3 cm or less dilated, or, if 2-3 cm dilated, less than 80% effaced and reassuring fetal heart rate monitoring (defined as moderate variability with a normal baseline and absence of decelerations). Exclusions were obstetric and neonatal conditions deemed unsuitable for outpatient cervical ripening, contraindications to vaginal delivery, or conditions that required immediate hospitalization. Women were randomized in the ambulatory setting to either an outpatient transcervical catheter (with immediate placement) or inpatient transcervical catheter placement and concomitant oxytocin infusion on the labor ward. Women in the outpatient group were instructed to return to the hospital the next day or sooner if labor occurred. Induction of labor was managed per institutional protocol, and once participants were admitted, oxytocin was initiated. The primary outcome was the duration of time from labor ward admission until delivery. Based on a prior study in our institution, a total of 128 women were needed for 80% power to detect a 12-hour difference in total duration spent from labor ward admission until delivery with a two-sided α of 0.05.Results: Of 743 women screened, 129 provided consent and were randomized from May 2016 to October 2017. Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. Outpatient cervical ripening did not significantly shorten the time from labor ward admission until delivery (12.4±7.4 vs 13.5±7.0 hours, P=.38).Conclusion: Outpatient cervical ripening in parous women does not shorten the time from labor ward admission until delivery if oxytocin is initiated simultaneously with inpatient transcervical catheter placement.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02756689. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the periphery, pregnancy is a common event in women of childbearing age. Normal anatomic and physiologic adaptations occur and, in most cases, will result in ideal maternal-fetal outcomes. Yet, every day, obstetric clinicians are facing complex pregnancies with complicated life-threatening conditions or coexisting medical and surgical problems that not only alter maternal physiology but also impact fetal survival. A challenge in this population is individualizing maternal-fetal care in critical care women while integrating medical-surgical specialties in creating an interdisciplinary team with similar management goals. Questions frequently arise concerning admission criteria, location of care, as well as type and mix of personnel. Furthermore, how to simultaneously manage a critically ill parturient while monitoring a viable fetus is often obscured. This article focuses on crucial fetal monitoring concepts using a standardized approach to interpretation and management in pregnancies managed in an intensive care environment. Application of fetal monitoring during surgical procedures, during perimortem cesarean birth, and in women who have irreversible loss of brain function is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize probabilities of vaginal delivery based on second-stage duration along with maternal and neonatal risks for women undergoing labor after cesarean delivery.Methods: This unplanned secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Cesarean Registry, a prospective observational cohort, assessed outcomes in women with a prior uterine scar and included women with a previous cesarean delivery without prior vaginal delivery who reached the second stage of labor. The primary outcome was mode of delivery by second-stage duration. Secondary outcomes included assessment of individual adverse maternal (chorioamnionitis, atony, endometritis, hysterectomy, uterine rupture or dehiscence, and red cell transfusion) and neonatal (cord pH less than 7.10, Apgar score less than 6 at 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and ventilatory support) outcomes.Results: Of 4,579 women with a previous cesarean delivery who reached the second stage of labor, 4,147 (90.6%) delivered vaginally. As second stage increased, successful vaginal delivery rates decreased: 97.3% at less than 1 hour (95% CI 96.6-97.9%), 91.5% at 1 to less than 2 hours (95% CI 89.8-93.1%), 78.5% at 2 to less than 3 hours (95% CI 74.5-82.1%), 62.3% at 3 to less than 4 hours (95% CI 55.2-69.1%), and 45.6% at 4 hours or greater (95% CI 37.7-53.7%). Risk of all adverse maternal outcomes increased with the length of the second stage. Specifically, risk of uterine rupture or dehiscence increased with second-stage length from less than 1 hour (0.7%), 1 to less than 2 hours (1.4%), 2 to less than 3 hours (1.5%), to 3 hours or greater (3.1%) (P<.001 for differential risk across the second stage). Risk of neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly by second-stage length.Conclusion: Although many women with a longer second stage (greater than 3 hours) will achieve successful vaginal delivery, these patients may be at increased risk for adverse maternal outcomes and should have close observation of fetal heart rate monitoring, maternal vital signs, and symptoms suggestive of uterine rupture or dehiscence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To test the hypothesis that increasing the intravenous fluid bolus volume at the time of epidural placement in women with narrow pulse pressure would reduce postepidural fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities, hypotension, and resuscitative obstetric interventions.Methods: We performed a single-center randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants were normotensive with a nonanomalous singleton gestation at or after 35 weeks and with a narrow pulse pressure (less than 45 mm Hg) on admission. Enrolled patients remained eligible for randomization at epidural request if they were within 6 hours of admission and the FHR remained category 1. Patients were allocated to a 500-mL (institutional standard) or 1,500-mL intravenous fluid bolus at epidural placement. A reference group with admission pulse pressure 50 mm Hg or greater was also evaluated. The primary outcome was a category 2 or 3 FHR pattern within 60 minutes after the epidural test dose. Evaluated secondary outcomes included maternal hypotension and composite resuscitative interventions to correct FHR abnormalities or hypotension. We calculated that 276 women (138/group) would provide 80% power to detect a relative 50% reduction in the occurrence of the primary outcome from 27% in the 500-mL group to 13.5% in the 1,500-mL group (two-sided α=0.05).Results: From October 2015 to November 2016, 276 women were allocated to receive a 500-mL (n=139) or 1,500-mL (n=137) fluid bolus. One hundred thirty-eight women were evaluated in the reference group. Demographic, obstetric, and labor characteristics were similar between groups. The 1,500-mL group had significantly fewer postepidural FHR abnormalities (38.0% compared with 51.8%, relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.96, P=.02). Maternal systolic hypotension (10.2% compared with 34.5%, relative risk 0.30, 95% CI 0.17-0.51, P<.001) and composite postepidural interventions (18.3% compared with 44.2%, relative risk 0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.62, P<.001) were also less frequent in the 1,500-mL group. Fetal heart rate abnormalities remained significantly less frequent in the reference group than among women with a narrow pulse pressure on admission for delivery.Conclusion: A 1,500-mL intravenous fluid bolus in women with a narrow pulse pressure decreases the risk of postepidural FHR abnormalities (number needed to treat=7), results in less frequent postepidural hypotension, and reduces the need for resuscitative interventions. Admission pulse pressure may be used to individualize intrapartum fluid management at the time of initiation of neuraxial labor analgesia.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02565485. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty years ago, the inaugural issue of The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing was published and the entire perinatal portion of the journal was devoted to electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). This article provides a historical perspective on EFM in perinatal care since the 1980s by exploring the similarities and differences of the state of the science presented in that first issue. Both EFM and intermittent auscultation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cardiotocography plus ST analysis with cardiotocography alone during labor.Data Sources: Randomized controlled trials were identified by searching electronic databases.Methods Of Study Selection: We included all randomized controlled trials comparing intrapartum fetal monitoring with cardiotocography plus ST analysis with cardiotocography alone. The primary outcome (ie, perinatal composite outcome) was a composite of intrapartum fetal death, neonatal death, Apgar score 3 or less at 5 minutes, neonatal seizure, metabolic acidosis (defined as umbilical arterial pH 7.05 or less, and extracellular fluid base deficit 12 mmol/L or greater), intubation for ventilation at delivery, or neonatal encephalopathy.Tabulation, Integration, and Results: Six randomized controlled trials, which included 26,529 laboring singletons with cephalic presentation at term, were analyzed. Compared with women who were randomized to cardiotocography, those who were randomized to ST analysis and cardiotocography had a similar incidence of perinatal composite outcome (1.5% compared with 1.6%; relative risk [RR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-1.10; five studies), neonatal metabolic acidosis (0.5% compared with 0.7%; RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.54-1.02; five studies), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (5.4% compared with 5.5%; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.90-1.10; six studies), perinatal death (0.1% compared with 0.1%; RR 1.71, 95% CI 0.67-4.33; six studies), neonatal encephalopathy (0.1% compared with 0.2%; RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.25-1.52; six studies), cesarean delivery (13.8% compared with 14.0%; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.85-1.08; six studies), and operative delivery (either cesarean or operative vaginal delivery) (23.9% compared with 25.1%; RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86-1.01; six studies).Conclusion: The use of ST analysis during labor as an adjunct to the standard cardiotocography does not improve perinatal outcomes or decrease cesarean delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the acute maternal and fetal effects of yoga postures and suspected contraindicated postures in a prospective cohort of healthy pregnant women in the third trimester.Methods: This was a prospective study that evaluated pregnant women between 35 0/7 and 37 6/7 weeks of gestation in a one-on-one yoga session. A baseline nonstress test, vital signs, and pulse oximetry were performed. Participants then assumed 26 yoga postures. Vital signs, pulse oximetry, tocometry, and continuous fetal heart rate monitoring were obtained in each posture. Postsession nonstress test, vital signs, and pulse oximetry were obtained. Participants were contacted 24 hours postsession.Results: Twenty-five healthy pregnant women were evaluated. Ten reported regular yoga practice, eight were familiar with yoga, and seven had no yoga experience. Yoga groups were similar in age, race, body mass index, gestational age, and parity. Presession and postsession nonstress tests were reactive. Presession and postsession data showed no change in maternal heart rate, temperature, pulse oximetry, or fetal heart rate. During the 26 yoga postures, vital signs, pulse oximetry, and uterine tocometry remained normal in all women and in all postures. The fetal heart rate across all 26 postures was normal. There were no falls or injuries during the total cumulative 650 poses. No participants reported decreased fetal movement, contractions, leakage of fluid, or vaginal bleeding in the 24-hour follow-up.Conclusion: All 26 yoga postures were well-tolerated with no acute adverse maternal physiologic or fetal heart rate changes.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 32-year-old lady, who experienced a sudden flow of clear fluid between her legs. It mentions the nurse's role in managing obstetric emergency. It mentions that occurrence of umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) is due to entering of fetal umbilical cord into the birth canal alongside the part of the baby. It mentions that iatrogenic causes can be the risk factor for UCP.

Intrapartum fetal monitoring to assess fetal well-being during the labor and delivery process has been a central component of intrapartum care for decades. Today, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is the most common method used to assess the fetus during labor without substantial evidence to suggest a benefit.ACochrane review of 13 trials, which included over 37,000 women, found that continuous EFM provided no significant improvement in perinatal death rate [risk ratio (RR) 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.59-1.23] or cerebral palsy rate (RR 1.75; 95% CI, 0.84-3.63) as compared with intermittent auscultation; however, there was a significant decrease in neonatal seizures (RR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.80). In addition, there was a significant increase in cesarean delivery (RR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.29-2.07) and operative vaginal delivery (RR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01- 1.33). Despite the lack of scientific support to suggest that EFM reduces adverse neonatal outcomes, its use is almost universal in the hospital setting and very likely has contributed to the rise in cesarean rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of cesarean birth in the United States is alarmingly high and cesareans are associated with added morbidities for women and newborns. Thus strategies to prevent cesarean particularly for low-risk, nulliparous women at term with a singleton fetus are needed. This article addresses evidence-based practices that may be used during intrapartum to avoid primary cesarean, including patience with progress in labor, intermittent auscultation, continuous labor support, upright positions, and free mobility. Second-stage labor practices, such delayed pushing and manual rotation of the fetus, are also reviewed. This package of midwifery-style care practices can potentially lower primary cesarean rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the significant role played by nurses in patients experiencing placental abruption. Topics include the meaning of placental abruption, associated risk factors such as drug use, cigarette smoking, and poor nutrition, and the assessment of vital signs, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness by the assigned nurse. Also mentioned is information on the patient's continuing care during the postpartum period.

Severe sepsis is a major cause of mortality among critically ill patients. Early recognition accompanied by early initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics with source control and fluid resuscitation improves outcomes. Hemodynamic resuscitation starts with fluid therapy followed by vasopressors if necessary. Cases refractory to first-line vasopressors (norepinephrine) will require second-line vasopressors (epinephrine or vasopressin) and low-dose steroid therapy. Resuscitation goals should include optimization of central venous oxygenation and serum lactate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fetal tachycardia is attributable to a variety of etiologies, including an untreated maternal medical condition or an indicator of potential fetal compromise. Maternal medication administration may also affect the fetal heart rate.Case: A 28-year-old nulliparous patient at 41 weeks of gestation was treated for pruritus with intravenous diphenhydramine after epidural administration of fentanyl. Within 14 minutes, the fetal heart rate increased from a baseline of 155 beats per minute (bpm) to more than 200 bpm while maintaining moderate variability. This was accompanied by an increase in uterine contractions occurring every 1.5 minutes. The fetal tachycardia lasted 51 minutes; several hours later, a healthy neonate was delivered.Conclusion: Diphenhydramine may produce transient fetal tachycardia as well as increased maternal uterine activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of electronic fetal heart rate abnormalities in the identification of neonates with encephalopathy treated with whole-body hypothermia. METHODS: Between January 1, 2007, and July 1, 2013, there were 39 neonates born at two hospitals within our system treated with whole-body hypothermia within 6 hours of birth. Neurologically normal control neonates were matched to each case by gestational age and mode of delivery in a two-to-one fashion. The last hour of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring before delivery was evaluated by three obstetricians blinded to outcome. RESULTS: The differences in tracing category were not significantly different (neonates in the case group 10.3% I, 76.9% II, 12.8% III; neonates in the control group 9.0% I, 89.7% II, 1.3% III; P=.18). Bivariate analysis showed neonates in the case group had significantly increased late decelerations, total deceleration area 30 (debt 30) and 60 minutes (debt 60) before delivery and were more likely to be nonreactive. Multivariable logistic regression showed neonates in the case group had a significant decrease in early decelerations (P=.03) and a significant increase in debt 30 (.01) and debt 60 (P=.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.72, 23.1%, and 94.9% for early decelerations; 0.66, 33.3%, and 87.2% for debt 30, and 0.68, 35.9%, and 89.7% for debt 60, respectively. CONCLUSION: Abnormalities during the last hour of fetal heart rate monitoring before delivery are poorly predictive of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy qualifying for whole-body hypothermia treatment within 6 hours of birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--The goal of this statement is to review available literature and to put forth a scientific statement on the current practice of fetal cardiac medicine, including the diagnosis and management of fetal cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results--A writing group appointed by the American Heart Association reviewed the available literature pertaining to topics relevant to fetal cardiac medicine, including the diagnosis of congenital heart disease and arrhythmias, assessment of cardiac function and the cardiovascular system, and available treatment options. The American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association classification of recommendations and level of evidence for practice guidelines were applied to the current practice of fetal cardiac medicine. Recommendations relating to the specifics of fetal diagnosis, including the timing of referral for study, indications for referral, and experience suggested for performance and interpretation of studies, are presented. The components of a fetal echocardiogram are described in detail, including descriptions of the assessment of cardiac anatomy, cardiac function, and rhythm. Complementary modalities for fetal cardiac assessment are reviewed, including the use of advanced ultrasound techniques, fetal magnetic resonance imaging, and fetal magnetocardiography and electrocardiography for rhythm assessment. Models for parental counseling and a discussion of parental stress and depression assessments are reviewed. Available fetal therapies, including medical management for arrhythmias or heart failure and closed or open intervention for diseases affecting the cardiovascular system such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome, lung masses, and vascular tumors, are highlighted. Catheter-based intervention strategies to prevent the progression of disease in utero are also discussed. Recommendations for delivery planning strategies for fetuses with congenital heart disease including models based on classification of disease severity and delivery room treatment will be highlighted. Outcome assessment is reviewed to show the benefit of prenatal diagnosis and management as they affect outcome for babies with congenital heart disease. Conclusions--Fetal cardiac medicine has evolved considerably over the past 2 decades, predominantly in response to advances in imaging technology and innovations in therapies. The diagnosis of cardiac disease in the fetus is mostly made with ultrasound; however, new technologies, including 3- and 4-dimensional echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fetal electrocardiography and magnetocardiography, are available. Medical and interventional treatments for select diseases and strategies for delivery room care enable stabilization of high-risk fetuses and contribute to improved outcomes. This statement highlights what is currently known and recommended on the basis of evidence and experience in the rapidly advancing and highly specialized field of fetal cardiac care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is used for the majority of births that occur in the United States. While there are indications for use of EFM for women with high-risk pregnancies, its use in low-risk pregnancies is less evidence-based. In low-risk women, the use of EFM is associated with an increased risk for cesarean birth compared with the use of intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart rate. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the existence of evidence-based information on fetal heart rate monitoring in popular consumer-focused maternity books and Web sites. Content analysis of information in consumer-oriented Web sites and books was completed using the NVivo software (QRSinternational, Melbourne, Australia). Themes identified included lack of clear terminology when discussing fetal monitoring, use of broad categories such as low risk and high risk, limited presentation of information about intermittent auscultation, and presentation of EFM as the standard of care, particularly upon admission into the labor unit. More than one-third of the sources did not mention auscultation, and conflicting information about monitoring methods was presented. The availability of accurate, publically accessible information offers consumers the opportunity to translate knowledge into the power to seek evidence-based care practices during their maternity care experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and characteristics of terminal fetal heart rate decelerations and to estimate their association with academia. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton, non nomalous gestations who labored and reached complete dilation at or after 37 weeks of gestation. The 30 minutes of electronic fetal monitoring before delivery were interpreted by two formally trained research nurses, blind to clinical data, using American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Terminal decelerations (decelerations without recovery of 120 seconds or more) defined the exposure. Terminal bradycardia (10 minutes or more) was secondarily explored. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to estimate risk of acidemia (umbilical cord gas arterial pH level 7.10 or less). RESULTS: Of 5,388 women meeting inclusion criteria, 951 (17.7%) experienced a terminal deceleration whereas 4,437 (82.3%) did not. The incidence of academia among the 951 women with a terminal deceleration was low (1.3%; n= 12). However, academia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 18.6; 95% confidence [Cl] 5.0-68.9) and higher-level nursery admission (adjusted OR 5.4; 95% Cl 1.9-15.3) were more likely if the terminal deceleration was 10 minutes or more. Terminal decelerations were longer among neonates with academia (6.7 minutes compared with 3.2 minutes; P<.01). For every additional 120 seconds of duration beyond the first 120 seconds, there was a corresponding decrease in umbilical cord gas pH level by 0.042 (95% CI 0.040- 0.048; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: More than 98% of term fetuses with terminal decelerations deliver with normal umbilical cord gas pH levels. However, bradycardia is associated with increased risk of acidemia and higher-level nursery admission. This information can be incorporated into clinical decision-making regarding urgency of delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Received December 08, 2021 The following ACOG documents have been revised: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 106: Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: Nomenclature, Interpretation, and General Management Principles (Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:192-202) has been updated by ACOG Practice Advisory: Oxygen Supplementation in the Setting of Category II or III Fetal Heart Tracings (January 2022) For the most up-to-date documents on COVID-19, visit https://www.acog.org/covid-19. [Extracted from the article]

Intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is one of the most common procedures in obstetrics. Current consensus statements provide clinicians with a common language for EFM as well as provide a basis for a simplified approach to interpretation and management. This article presents a summary of the content and implementation of a statewide initiative in interdisciplinary EFM education and training designed to give clinicians of all backgrounds a shared mental model in EFM. Challenges to implementation at individual institutions may include physician and nursing engagement as well as time and cost constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A culture of safety is a growing movement in obstetrical healthcare quality and management. Patient-centered and safe care is a primary priority for all healthcare workers, with communication and teamwork central to achieving optimal maternal health outcomes. A mandatory educational program was developed and implemented by physicians and nurses to sustain awareness and compliance to current protocols within a large university-based hospital. A didactic portion reviewing shoulder dystocia, operative vaginal delivery, obstetric hemorrhage, and fetal monitoring escalation was combined with a simulation session. The simulation was a fetal bradycardia activating the decision to perform an operative vaginal delivery complicated by a shoulder dystocia. More than 370 members of the healthcare team participated including obstetricians, midwives, the anesthesia team, and nurses. Success of the program was measured by an evaluation tool and comparing results from a prior safety questionnaire. Ninety-seven percent rated the program as excellent, and the response to a question on perception of overall grade on patient safety measured by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality safety survey demonstrated a significant improvement in the score (P = .003) following the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background-Fetal long QT syndrome (LQTS) is associated with complex arrhythmias including torsades de pointes and 2° atrioventricular block. Sinus bradycardia has also been associated with fetal LQTS, but little is known of this rhythm manifestation. Our purpose was to characterize the fetal heart rate (FHR)/gestational age (GA) profile of fetal LQTS. Methods and Results-We ascertained fetal LQTS subjects by family history (Group 1) or fetal arrhythmia referral (Group 2). We compared FHR in LQTS subjects versus normal fetuses. To identify FHR predictors of LQTS, we calculated a bradycardia index as % of LQTS FHR recordings either ⩽110 beats per minute (obstetric standard) or ⩽3rd percentile for GA. Among 42 LQTS subjects, 26 were in Group 1 and 16 in Group 2. There were 536 normal fetuses. The bradycardia index was only 15% for FHR ⩽110 beats per minute, but 66% for FHR ⩽3rd percentile for GA. Ten fetuses with complex arrhythmias also had severe and sustained sinus bradycardia throughout gestation. Identifying a fetal proband in Group 2 resulted in LQTS diagnosis in 9 unsuspected members of 6 families. Conclusions-FHR varies by GA in both normal and LQTS fetuses. Postnatal evaluation of neonates with FHR ⩽3rd percentile for GA may improve ascertainment of LQTS in fetuses, neonates, and undiagnosed family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that evaluates the effect of maternal exposure to magnesium sulfate on fetal heart rate characteristics during active labor. The study reveals that magnesium exposure was associated with lower fetal heart rate baseline, increased risk of baseline less than 120 beats per minute, and increased risk of absent. It found no significant differences in presence or number of accelerations or decelerations.

The article presents a study which reviews the effects of ST-waveform analysis combined with fetal cardiotocography in comparison with conventional cardiotocography in intrapartum fetal monitoring. It estimates the combined relative risks (RRs) of ST analysis compared with conventional cardiotocography using random-effects model that showed reduced incidence of additional blood sampling. It notes that the use of ST analysis for monitoring reduced operative vaginal delivery incidences.

The article presents a case study of a 24-year-old pregnant female who was presented to a center due to fetal hydrops. Based on ultrasound scan, she was diagnosed of fetal ascites, pleural effusion, subcutaneous edema, and hydramnios. She underwent an emergency cesarean delivery due to continuous sinusoidal fetal heart rate (FHR).

The article discusses a study on the association between adverse neonatal outcome and lactate concentration in amniotic fluid. The researchers aimed to estimate whether a high lactate concentration in amniotic fluid and cardiotocography can be used as indicators for a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcome at delivery. The results of the study indicate that high lactate concentration in amniotic fluid and fetal bradycardia during the last 30 minutes before delivery is linked with an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcome at delivery.

The second Practice Bulletin published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is presented. The document provides obstetric care providers with guidelines for evaluating and managing intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) patterns based on a new three-tiered categorization. It offers a brief background on the three-tiered system for intrapartum EFM interpretation. Clinical considerations and recommendations are detailed.

The article discusses a study about the cardiotocography plus ST analysis of fetal electrocardiogram compared with cardiotocography only for intrapartum monitoring. Results of the metabolic acidosis calculation in fetal blood sampling showed rates of 1.6 percent in the ST analysis group and 2.6 percent in the randomized controlled trial group. The study also compared the number of operative deliveries, Apgar scores, neonatal admissions, and newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in both groups.

The article presents a study which investigates the practice of the members of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) in terms of fetal heart rate monitoring during nonobstetric surgery in pregnancy. It states that the study was made through a 16-question online survey of the 1300 APGO members. It reveals that 43% of the respondents have monitored intraoperatively. It suggests that majority of the APGO members do not employ intraoperative fetal heart rate monitoring.

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax during pregnancy has potentially serious implications for the mother and fetus. When surgical correction is required, complex maternal physiologic alterations may significantly affect fetal well-being.Case: A woman underwent thoracoscopic lung resection and pleurodesis at 29 weeks of gestation. At various points during the procedure, maternal hemodynamic and respiratory consequences of anesthetic and surgical management resulted in severe fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations and bradycardia. In each instance, physiologic manipulations based on an understanding of the likely cause of fetal hypoxia allowed correction of the FHR abnormalities without delivery.Conclusion: Nonsurgical perinatal intervention based on FHR monitoring and analysis of the likely pathophysiologic abnormalities underlying fetal decelerations may allow the gravid woman to undergo complex procedures and continue the pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]