Electronic fetal monitoring: past, present, and future

Molly J Stout; Alison G Cahill

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.002

Electronic fetal monitoring: past, present, and future

Clin Perinatol. 2011 Mar;38(1):127-42, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.002.

Authors

Molly J Stout¹, Alison G Cahill

Affiliation

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St Louis, 4911 Barnes Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. stoutm@wudosis.wustl.edu

PMID: 21353094
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.002

Abstract

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) using cardiotocography is a common tool used during labor and delivery for assessment of fetal well-being. It has largely replaced the use of intermittent auscultation and fetal scalp pH sampling. However, data suggesting improved clinical outcomes with the use of EFM are sparse. In this review, the history of EFM is revisited from its inception in the 1960s to current practice, interpretations, and future research goals.

Publication types

Historical Article
Review

MeSH terms

Auscultation
Birth Injuries / prevention & control
Cardiotocography / history*
Cardiotocography / methods
Cardiotocography / trends
Delivery, Obstetric
Female
Fetal Distress / diagnosis
Forecasting
Heart Rate, Fetal
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Humans
Labor, Obstetric
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis