Intrapartum fetal surveillance - Is it worthwhile?

Intrapartum fetal asphyxia with morbidity or mortality, although an infrequ ent occurrence, is important because of the serious implications of this co mplication. The benefits of intrapartum fetal surveillance by predictive fe tal heart rate (FHR) patterns have not been established; however, harm may occur because of unnecessary intervention. Prediction of most cases of intr apartum fetal asphyxia by FHR patterns is possible but difficult. Because o f the large number of false-positive FHR patterns, supplementary tests are essential. Until additional fetal assessment tests are validated, blood gas and acid-base assessment of fetal blood is the test that can provide a def initive diagnosis and identify false-positive predictions.