INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION

Fetal Monitoring is a crucial step in preventing hypoxic injury and ensuring

safe motherhood. It is a vital component in obstetric care, particularly in identifying

foetuses at risk for hypoxic injury due to uteroplacental insufficiency. This condition

can lead to neurological injuries such as cerebral palsy, making it essential to

implement effective monitoring techniques to prevent such complications. Electronic

fetal monitoring (EFM) has become widely adopted due to its ability to detect early

signs of fetal distress, allowing for timely interventions to ensure a healthy birth

outcome.

The primary goal of obstetric care is to ensure the health and well-being of

both the mother and the baby. The World Health Organization defines safe

motherhood as a comprehensive approach that aims to optimize the health of the

mother, the health of the offspring, and the emotional satisfaction of the mother and

her family. To achieve this, it is crucial to assess the mother's health status upon

admission to identify high-risk factors, both detected and undetected, as well as new

factors that may have emerged during the pregnancy.

Admission tests are an effective screening tool in identifying high-risk

pregnancies. These tests are simple, rapid, and have high acceptability among

pregnant mothers. They can be repeated at any time during the pregnancy, making

them an ideal intra-partum screening test. The admission test is particularly useful in

identifying undetected high-risk factors, which may not be apparent during routine

prenatal care.

Fetal well-being is closely tied to the adequate functioning of various systems,

including the maternal system, the placenta, the uterus, and the umbilical cord. These

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 INTRODUCTION

systems work together to maintain a delicate balance between the supply of oxygen

and the removal of waste products. Any disruption in this balance can lead to fetal

distress, which can have severe consequences if left untreated.

The relationship between specific fetal heart rate patterns and fetal acidemia is

well established through observational studies. This relationship is strong, indicating

that changes in fetal heart rate can be used as an early indicator of fetal distress.

Electronic fetal monitoring is a valuable tool in detecting these changes, allowing

healthcare providers to intervene promptly and prevent potential complications.

Importance of Fetal Monitoring:

 Early Detection of Fetal Distress: Fetal monitoring allows healthcare

providers to detect early signs of fetal distress, enabling timely interventions to

prevent complications.

 Prevention of Hypoxic Injury: By detecting fetal distress, fetal monitoring

can help prevent hypoxic injury, which can lead to neurological injuries such

as cerebral palsy.

 Improved Birth Outcomes: Fetal monitoring can improve birth outcomes by

enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about delivery and

post-delivery care.

 Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: Fetal monitoring can enhance patient

satisfaction by providing expectant mothers with a sense of security and

reassurance that their baby's well-being is being closely monitored.

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