Old way of Fetal Surveillance Better than New Approaches, claims study
Fetal surveillance is routinely offered to patients in labour to reduce the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, as well as the risk of unnecessary emergency cesarean deliveries and other maternal interventions. In a recent study, researchers have reported that intermittent auscultation outperforms other fetal surveillance methods and improves both neonatal and maternal outcomes. The research has been published in the CMAJ on April 06, 2021.
Monitoring the fetal heart rate to detect intrapartum hypoxia using simple surveillance techniques, such as the Pinard stethoscope, has been practised for decades. Over the last 50 years, several newer surveillance methods have been evaluated, with varied uptake in practice. Cardiotocography (CTG) remains the most common surveillance method used in high-risk pregnancies. Physicians also prefer the combination with other surveillance methods, such as fetal heart electrocardiogram (STAN), fetal scalp pH analysis (FBS) or fetal pulse oximetry (FPO), and with computer-aided decision models (cCTG) to improve its diagnostic value. However, the effects of different methods on the risk of emergency cesarean deliveries remain uncertain. Therefore, Dr Bassel H. Al Wattar and his colleagues conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of fetal surveillance.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.