Open AccessFetal pulse oximetry
Author(s) -
Maesel Alf,
Mårtensson Laila,
Gudmundsson Saemundur,
Maršål Karel
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349609033307
Subject(s) - medicine , pulse oximetry , oxygenation , oxygen saturation , fetus , anesthesia , obstetrics , pulse (music) , pregnancy , gestational age , cervical dilatation , surgery , cervix , oxygen , chemistry , organic chemistry , detector , biology , electrical engineering , genetics , engineering , cancer
Background. During recent years fetal pulse oximetry has been under development for use in monitoring fetal oxygenation during labor. In a methodological study we have tested the practical applicability of one type of sensor (FS‐10 Oxisensor, Nellcor®). Both obstetricians and midwives took active part in sensor placement. The readings of fetal arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) were not taken into account when managing the patients. Methods. Oxygenation was monitored during labor in 96 singleton pregnancies. Mean SpO 2 levels were calculated when cervical dilatation was 4‐7 cm and 8‐10 cm, and in the second stage of labor. Student's t ‐test was used for paired comparisons. A p ‐value<0.05 was considered significant. Results. Of the 96 oxisensors. 91 (95%) were successfully placed. One mother felt pain which disappeared when the sensor was removed. Two of the newborns manifested an impression mark caused by the sensor, which disappeared completely within a day. No infection or increased bleeding was noted. The mean recording time was 134 minutes. SpO 2 ‐values were obtainable during 69% of the recording time. A significant fall of mean SpO 2 occurred between the first and second stages of labor. Conclusions. The method seems to be harmless for mother and child, and allows SpO 2 ‐values to be obtained during two thirds of the recording period. Further research is needed to evaluate the possible clinical value of the method.