How well can the fetal heart rate baseline be assessed by intrapartum intermittent auscultation? An interrater reliability and agreement study.

Background: We aimed to examine the inter-reliability and agreement among midwives when assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) using the handheld Doppler. The primary aim was to measure the reliability and agreement of FHR baseline (baseline) as beats per minute (bpm). The secondary aims were to measure fluctuations from the baseline, defined as increases and decreases, and classifications (normal or abnormal) of FHR soundtracks.

Labor curves based on cervical dilatation over time and their accuracy and effectiveness: A systematic scoping review.

Objectives: This systematic scoping review was conducted to 1) identify and describe labor curves that illustrate cervical dilatation over time; 2) map any evidence for, as well as outcomes used to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the curves; and 3) identify areas in research that require further investigation.

Methods: A three-step systematic literature search was conducted for publications up to May 2023. We searched the Medline, Maternity & Infant Care, Embase, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, CINAHL, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases for studies describing labor curves, assessing their effectiveness in improving birth outcomes, or assessing their accuracy as screening or diagnostic tools.

ST waveform analysis vs cardiotocography alone for intrapartum fetal monitoring: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Introduction: ST waveform analysis (STAN) was introduced as an adjunct to cardiotocography (CTG) to improve neonatal and maternal outcomes. The aim of the present study was to quantify the efficacy of STAN vs CTG and assess the quality of the evidence using GRADE.

Material And Methods: We performed systematic literature searches to identify randomized controlled trials and assessed included studies for risk of bias.

Association of oxytocin augmentation and duration of labour with postpartum haemorrhage: A cohort study of nulliparous women.

Objective: Both duration of labour and use of oxytocin for augmentation are known risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage but distinguishing between the significance of these factors is complex. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between both labour duration and oxytocin augmentation, for postpartum haemorrhage.

Design: A cohort study based on a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomised trial.