Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: Nomenclature, Interpretation, and General Management Principles

Intrapartum monitoring is designed to detect fetal metabolic acidosis and to prevent hypoxia. Prior to its implementation, intrapartum fetal death rates were between 3 and 4 per 1000. A normal tracing reliably predicts a well-oxygenated fetus; however, an abnormal tracing is less predictive of fetal status. The three-tiered fetal heart rate interpretation system should be used to assist in determining fetal status [1].