[Fetal pulse oximetry sub partu: on morbidity of infection and acceptance in intrapartum monitoring].

156 mothers and their newborns (Group A), whose deliveries were monitored using cardiotocography and fetal pulse oximetry, were investigated during and after delivery regarding amnioninfection as well as changes in morbidity und compared to matched controls (Group B). The parameters observed were temperature during labor and delivery and after delivery, infection parameters of mother and baby, bacterial smears of the vagina before placement of the oximetry sensor and smears of the sensor tip when the evaluation was concluded. An amnioninfection syndrome was registered twice in group A and three times in control group B. In 22 cases the evaluation of the smears showed an increase of bacterial growth or additional bacteria, but in no case an amnioninfection syndrome was noted. Three of the newborns in Group A who had an infection after delivery showed negative bacterial smears from the sensor tip. The temperatures of the mothers during and after delivery in Group A were not significantly different from Group B. The results show that the intrauterine application of a sensor even for longer periods of time does not result in an increase of maternal or fetal infection morbidity during labor and delivery and after delivery. In addition, 65 patients were evaluated with an anonymous questionnaire after delivery regarding their acceptance of this new method. 88% of the patients were satisfied with the procedure and stated that they felt an additional sense of security through this supplementary method.