[Electrohysterography. A promising alternative for monitoring contractions]

Monitoring contractions during labour using the external tocodynamometer can be difficult or even impossible, and using the invasive intrauterine pressure catheter is associated with rare but serious complications. A new non-invasive technique is currently available: electrohysterography (EHG). This technique converts the electrical activity of the uterine muscle into a legible tocogram. The EHG signal has a high correlation with the intra-uterine pressure and provides a more accurate assessment of uterine activity compared to external tocodynamometry. EHG is suitable for women in labour with failure of the external tocodynamometer. In clinical practice EHG also appeared to report a more detailed tocographic waveform, like hypertonia or unorganized electrical uterine activity. However, its signal quality depends on adequate skin preparation and correct positioning of the electrodes on the maternal abdomen. Hence, with electrohysterography as non-invasive alternative for uterine monitoring, choosing between safety and accuracy is no longer necessary.