Clinical experiences with fetal heart rate monitoring of one thousand patients in labor

A series of 1,000 labor patients has been monitored electronically, and their records reviewed. Monitoring provides accurate objective evidence that fetal condition is good and that tolerance for labor is normal. With a normal record, the likelihood is strong that a normal baby will be delivered. Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring is unreliable in the prediction of babies born in poor condition. It does, however, provide an excellent screening test for selection of patients for scalp pH determinations. Electronic monitoring of fetal heart rate provides early evidence of fetal anoxia. It should be carried out in all patients receiving oxytocin during labor to avoid episodes of fetal anoxia. External monitoring methods currently available permit routine monitoring of all patients in labor. Whether monitoring all normal patients will improve fetal health and survival is still an unanswered question.