Intrapartum fetal surveillance - Is it worthwhile?

Intrapartum fetal asphyxia with morbidity or mortality, although an infrequent occurrence, is important because of the serious implications of this complication. The benefits of intrapartum fetal surveillance by predictive fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns have not been established; however, harm may occur because of unnecessary intervention. Prediction of most cases of intrapartum fetal asphyxia by FHR patterns is possible but difficult. Because of the large number of false-positive FHR patterns, supplementary tests are essential. Until additional fetal assessment tests are validated, blood gas and acid-base assessment of fetal blood is the test that can provide a definitive diagnosis and identify false-positive predictions.