Open AccessClinical Implications of Fetal Heart Rate Interpretation Based on Underlying Physiology
Author(s) -
Nancy OʼBrien-Abel
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
mcn, the american journal of maternal child nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.326
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1539-0683
pISSN - 0361-929X
DOI - 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000596
Subject(s) - fetus , heart rate , fetal circulation , fetal heart rate , medicine , oxygenation , placental circulation , autonomic nervous system , cardiovascular physiology , fetal movement , physiology , cardiology , anesthesia , placenta , blood pressure , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Understanding the physiology of fetal oxygenation and various influences on fetal heart rate control supports nurses, midwives, and physicians in interpreting and managing electronic fetal heart rate tracings during labor and birth. Maternal oxygenation, placental circulation and exchange, umbilical blood flow and fetal circulation affect fetal oxygenation, which is reflected in observed fetal heart rate patterns. Fetal heart control is further influenced by the central and autonomic nervous systems, baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, humoral factors, sleep-wake patterns, breathing movements, medications, painful stimuli, sound and vibrations, and temperature. Knowledge of the physiologic basis for fetal heart rate pattern characteristics guides interventions to improve fetal oxygenation when indicated. A review and update on clinical implications of fetal heart rate pattern interpretation based on underlying physiology is presented.