Multisystem Effects of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review.

Hypertension predisposes the woman and fetus to adverse outcomes during the pregnancy and postpartum. The risk for maternal complications and neonatal morbidity associated with the necessity of preterm birth extends beyond the postpartum and postnatal period. A comprehensive review of the multisystem effects of hypertensive disorders and underlying pathophysiology is provided to support the role of prompt identification of and management of acute complications of hypertension.

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring: where are we now?

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) continues to be the primary method utilized for fetal assessment in the United States. Standardization of nomenclature associated with this perinatal technology has evolved over the past 40 years such that the current nomenclature recommended by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has been adopted by professional perinatal organizations as the agreed-upon method for professional communication and documentation. Current research continues to focus on the optimal management of intrapartum fetal heart rate tracings.

Intrapartum fetal monitoring: past, present, and future.

The concept of intrapartum "monitoring" of the fetal heart rate by auscultation has been extant for almost 200 years and by electronic means for more than 30 years. This article explores historical aspects of fetal monitoring, the advent of electronic fetal monitoring and its controversies, and present and future research opportunities to enhance the reliability, validity, and efficacy of fetal monitoring.