MONITORING LABOR BY AN EXTERNAL TOKODYNAMOMETER

Clinical acceptance of monitoring labor has been delayed because of the complexity and expense of intrauterine techniques and the relative inaccuracy of external devices. Experience with the Parturiograph in 400 patients in spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labor confirms its ease of operation, clinical applicability, and low cost. Comparison of parturiographic and intrauterine pressure tracings reveals similar contraction patterns with respect to configuration, frequency, and resting pressure. Contraction intensity may be identical, but external methods may record only 60 to 90 per cent of the intrauterine pressure. This discrepancy does not appear to detract from the Parturiograph's clinical usefulness. Continuous monitoring of labor identifies abnormal uterine contractility, is a useful guide for regulation of oxytocin infusion, and facilitates the management of abnormal labor. Permanent labor records have proved useful both in education and patient service. © 1968.