After months of behind the scenes work with designers and suppliers, trialling different options, and learning how to use Shopify – I’m beyond excited to introduce you to the Birth Small Talk merchandise range. The shop is now open so you can go explore and make your mind up about whether to buy just one thing, or one of EVERYTHING! You’ll find: (*not tested with real zombies) AND This stunning […]
Recent research in fetal sheep indicates that existing CTG technology may overlook critical heart rhythm abnormalities due to low oxygen levels. Further studies are necessary for validation.
A recent Finnish study explored HIE and its preventability with CTG use. Findings suggest that timely interventions may have avoided HIE for one in five women with an affected. However, this study does not establish CTG superiority over intermittent auscultation for monitoring fetal health.
When is fetal monitoring not fetal monitoring? #EFM #CTG #LanguageMatters
In 2023, the MBRRACE-UK report showed an 18.3% decline in birth rates since 2013 with minimal improvements in mortality rates. Despite investment in maternal care, the rate of change in perinatal mortality rates is very slow and subject to outside influences. There is a strong need for effective intervention strategies.
A summary of the research outputs from the Midwifery Futures project.
A recent study examined intermittent auscultation during labor in various UK birth settings. It found that local policies exist in most units, but training and competency assessments were inconsistently implemented. The reliance on certain fetal monitoring devices and practices raises concerns, as does the use of outdated training programs and practices.
The post examines the misconception that early decelerations in fetal heart rate indicate head compression and normal oxygen levels, tracing this belief to Edward Hon’s research in the 1950s, and unconsented experimentation on women. Newer studies suggest these decelerations may signal hypoxia, revealing flaws in current fetal monitoring guidelines.
Maternity professionals face pressure to continuously record fetal heartbeats, leading to interventions that prioritise monitoring over women’s birth priorities. Evidence suggests that uninterrupted heart rate tracing does not improve neonatal outcomes and can increase complications. The focus should be on overall fetal wellbeing rather than solely on heart rate data accuracy.
The paper by Westergren et al. (2025) examined how gender norms played out in birth, emphasising the negative impact of “well behaved” women and midwives on birthing experiences.
Birth Small Talk 