Feto‐maternal surveillance in labour: a new approach with an on‐line microcomputer

Abstract

Summary. A new method of real‐time computer surveillance during labour is described with a commercially available‘low‐cost’ microcomputer and integral video display unit (VDU). The fetal monitoring program gives accurate and reliable information on eight parameters of fetal and maternal wellbeing, four of which may be displayed simultaneously, with the facility of instant data recall. Emphasis is on simplicity of operation, and clarity of data display in the form of horizontal bar graphs updated at 5‐min intervals, with most recent information in numerical form. Flexibility of the system enables program modification with relative ease, and adaptation to two unmodified commercial electronic fetal monitors.

Characteristics of uterine activity in nulliparous labour

“…Perhaps a system to quantify the area under the upswing and part of the downswing of the curve would be superior. Tromans et al (1982) have also considered this problem and have suggested that quantification should cease when a threshold value 5 mmHg above the baseline tone is regained. Caldeyro- Barcia & Alvarez (1952) found that pressures <25 mmHg did not lead to labour progress and we found this pressure to persist after some contractions.…”