In a trial comparing fetal blood sampling to digital fetal scalp stimulation for assessing fetal wellbeing, recruitment fell short, concluding early after just 534 participants. Despite showing a significantly lower caesarean section rate with scalp stimulation, the small sample limits the findings. The irony of guidelines undermining evidence development is discussed.
Prevalence-induced concept change is a psychological phenomenon where the meaning of a concept shifts due to declining frequency of related events. Over time, the definition of “high risk” in maternity care has expanded despite reduced perinatal mortality, leading to shifts in CTG usage.
A comprehensive literature review by researchers in the UK examined the safety of CTG monitoring in maternity care, identifying prominent system-level issues, including unsafe organizational cultures and inadequate staffing. It is import to focus on staffing, supportive environments, and respectful care to improve outcomes rather than unproven practices.
Birth Small Talk 