Antepartum and Intrapartum Assessment of the Fetus: Current Status and Does It Influence Outcome?

SUMMARY

1. Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) can predict fetal hypoxia as defined by low Apgar scores at birth. However, the predictive value is poor in low-risk patients.

2. A normal fetal heart rate tracing is a good predictor of fetal well-being.

3. It is unclear whether EFM can prevent cerebral palsy and mental retardation.

4. Severe perinatal asphyxia, particularly in full-term infants, usually leads to neonatal demise. However, in some cases it can lead to long-term neurological handicap. In such infants, the asphyxia is usually severe and prolonged. It is usually associated with seizures, other abnormal neurological signs in the neonatal period and the long-term handicap probably always involves the motor system.

5. Studies of the aetiology of cerebral palsy and mental retardation have shown that only a small percentage of both can be attributed to perinatal asphyxia.