Fetal blood sampling (FBS) has a long history but faces ongoing debates about its relevance. Current evidence shows poor predictive capabilities, and the reliability of fetal blood lactate testing remains disputed. FBS is another example of a fetal monitoring technology that lacks a firm evidence base.
Fetal heart rate monitoring often shows abnormal patterns that don’t reflect an underlying problem for the fetus. Research on fetal blood sampling has been limited. A recent study found weak correlations between fetal blood pH levels, umbilical cord pH levels and Apgar scores. It is vital that further research takes into account how fetal physiology actually works, rather than repeating inaccurate assumptions.
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.
Does #STAN reduce the #caesarean rate when #CTG monitoring is in use? New Australian research!
There are so many unanswered questions relating to CTG monitoring. I get really excited when I see that someone has plans to answer one of them! Here are details about #FIRSTT
This is what CTG monitoring practice looks like in the Netherlands. How does this compare to where you are?
We really have no idea what we are doing when it comes to fetal blood sampling during labour. Maybe we should stop doing it.
CTG monitoring is in use during a woman’s labour. The fetal heart rate pattern is now abnormal. As her maternity professional, you know that the positive predictive value of the CTG is low, and want to avoid caesarean section unless it is going to improve the fetal outcome. And you don’t want to misidentify when caesarean section is a great idea and as a result have an avoidable poor outcome […]
Birth Small Talk 