[An electroencephalographic study of the foetus during labour. Technique and interpretation (author's transl)]

The authors report their experiences in recording foetal E.E.Gs at the time of labour, based on 140 studies. They studied normal E.E.Gs and emphasise the existence of a sleep-waking pattern during dilatation. They consider the E.E.G. changes during the different stages of labour and assess the results against other techniques used to assess foetal well-being. They record the effects on the E.E.G. of various anaesthetics and analgesics given to the mother. The difficulty of the technique is stressed and they conclude that despite the obvious interest of the technique it is not currently suitable for routine obstetric practice.