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.