OBJECTIVE: To test whether fetal heart rate documentation requirements for
high-risk pregnancies are too stringent to achieve compliance, especially d
uring the second stage of labor.
STUDY DESIGN: Random retrospective chart and monitor strip review of delive
ries occurring one year earlier were reviewed. Thirty-four low-risk and 34
high-risk pregnancies were selected and assessed for compliance with nation
ally accepted documentation guidelines.
RESULTS: All monitor strips and charts were successfully retrieved from med
ical records. Charted documentation of the strips met national requirements
in the active phase of the first stage of labor in 97% of cases, as did do
cumentation during the second stage. For high-risk pregnancies, compliance
during the active phase of the first stage of labor was 65% as compared to
35% in the second stage. All infants had normal five-minute Apgar scores, a
nd none had umbilical arterial acidemia.
CONCLUSION: Given current resources, we cannot reliably meet established do
cumentation standards for high-risk pregnancies. Such overly stringent docu
mentation standards pose a significant risk in cases going to litigation. A
standard should be developed that is based on outcome data.