Monitoring the fetus in labor: Evidence to support the methods

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) was implemented across the United States in the 1970s. By 1998, it was used in 84% of all U.S. births, regardless of whether the primary caregiver was a physician or a midwife. Numerous randomized trials have agreed that continuous EFM in labor increases the operative delivery rate, without clear benefit to the baby. Intermittent auscultation (IA) is safe and effective in low-risk pregnancies and may play a role in helping birth remain normal. Clinicians and educators are encouraged to reconsider the use of JA in the care of healthy childbearing women. (C) 2001 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.