The future of electronic fetal monitoring

Rubymel Jijón Knupp; William W Andrews; Alan T N Tita

doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.02.004

The future of electronic fetal monitoring

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2020 Aug:67:44-52. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.02.004. Epub 2020 Mar 19.

Authors

Rubymel Jijón Knupp¹, William W Andrews², Alan T N Tita²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: rknupp@uabmc.edu.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.

PMID: 32299728
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.02.004

Abstract

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) was first introduced commercially over 50 years ago with the hope of improving perinatal outcomes during labor. However, despite the increased use of EFM, definitive improvements in perinatal outcomes have not been demonstrated. Variance in tracing interpretation and intervention has led to increased rates of cesarean and operative vaginal deliveries and perhaps increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. Since its inception, several strategies have been developed in hopes of optimizing EFM and improving these outcomes. We discuss the current standards of intrapartum fetal monitoring and review optimization strategies and technologies in development to improve intrapartum fetal monitoring.

Keywords: Cardiotocography; Electronic fetal monitoring; Moyo; Novii.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cardiotocography*
Delivery, Obstetric
Female
Fetal Monitoring
Heart Rate, Fetal / physiology*
Humans
Labor, Obstetric*
Pregnancy