The paper assesses the performance of four Large Language Models for interpreting CTG traces of pregnant women. None of them were fit for purpose. Invest in learning about fetal physiology and how to interpret heart rate patterns and don’t delegate this to a computer!
The evidence on CTG monitoring vs intermittent auscultation during labour does NOT prove that CTG significantly reduces stillbirth or neonatal mortality rates, in either low or high-risk populations. Professionals and academics MUST avoid misleading people about the evidence.
The UK has experienced ongoing maternity care crises. A study of UK maternity services showed that quality ratings did not correlate with maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is time to question the effectiveness of current quality assessment processes and measures.
Continuous fetal monitoring (CFM) technologies are currently being developed for high-risk pregnancies. CFM includes monitoring fetal heart rate and movements. There are concerns about signal quality, and there is an urgent need for research to demonstrate whether CFM actually helps. What impact will it have on women and maternity professionals if it is implemented more widely?
Amnioinfusion is a procedure that delivers fluid into the uterus, aimed at improving fetal outcomes during labor, particularly when decelerations occur. A recent study found a significant reduction in total deceleration area post-amnioinfusion but lacked a control group. Caution is advised before widespread adoption of this practice.
A recent Australian study investigated women’s experiences with various fetal monitoring methods during labor, finding that wired CTG was predominant. First-time mothers reported more CTG use, which correlated with higher emergency cesarean rates and epidural use. Many women felt monitoring negatively impacted their experiences, highlighting a need for improved woman-centered maternity care practices.
The Dublin randomized controlled trial published in July 1985 aimed to determine the effectiveness of continuous fetal monitoring (CTG) over intermittent auscultation during labor. The trial found no significant differences in outcomes for babies. Despite its findings, CTGs remained widely used. It’s time to do something about that.
It’s a valid question. With at least 40 years of evidence showing that CTG monitoring doesn’t improve outcomes, wondering why we are still doing CTGs is a fair question. New research highlights why changing practice is so hard. And I share what I’m going to be doing to make it happen…
The post discusses the importance of practitioners being skilled in vaginal breech birth, highlighting the ethical implications of stating, “I don’t do vaginal breech birth.” It emphasizes that women often lack control over their birthing circumstances and need competent care providers to ensure safe delivery, advocating for comprehensive training and skill development in maternity care.
The article reviews a recent paper on fetal monitoring during labor by Richmond et al. which lacks a reference list, undermining its educational value. While it identifies some correct points about fetal heart rate interpretations, it perpetuates outdated practices and fails to acknowledge the need for consent in monitoring, thus serving more as promotional content than genuine education.
Birth Small Talk 