Fetal pulse oximetry during labor: issues and recommendations for clinical use

Several centers are investigating the possible benefits arising from the introduction of pulse oximetry into intensive fetal monitoring during labor and delivery. 50 cases with abnormal cardiotocograms interesting under different clinical aspects were selected from 2000 cases from different countries which were additionally monitored by pulse oximetry. We have drawn the following conclusions with the help of now 36 years of experience with FBA: if fetal pulse oximetry is used in every case of abnormal cardiotocogram and SpO2-values, defined as normal are present, FBA and numerous operative interventions can be eliminated in a considerable number (more than one half) of cases. In cases with reduced SpO2-values as well as lengthy SpO2-registration gaps (limits of acceptability are described) it is urgently advised to use FBA for differential diagnosis so that even in these cases unnecessary operative interventions can be avoided.