Evaluation of fetal intrapartum hypoxia by middle cerebral and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry with simultaneous cardiotocography and pulse oximetry.

Objective: To investigate fetal circulation at different stages of hypoxia during labor, and to study blood flow alterations in the brain and peripheral tissues, through simultaneous use of three non-invasive techniques.

Materials And Methods: Ninety two pregnant women between 38 and 41 weeks of gestation, comparable for maternal age and parity, were simultaneously monitored with cardiotocography (CTG), continuous fetal pulse oximetry and Doppler ultrasonography during the first stage of labor. In 70 cases evaluation was successful, and useful data was obtained.

Intrapartum surveillance of IUGR fetuses with cardiotocography and fetal pulse oximetry.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry, as a predictor of metabolic acidosis at birth of fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).

Study Design: We studied 18 IUGR fetuses (group I) and a control group of 30 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses (group II) during labor. Both groups had abnormal fetal heart rate tracings and were monitored simultaneously throughout labor with cardiotocography and fetal pulse oximetry.