Role of fetal monitoring in high risk pregnancy by fetal electrocardiogram

Abstract

Background : Non-stress test is an external monitoring of fetal heart rate by electrocardiography. Although
intermittent auscultation of fetal heart rate is equivalent to continuous electronic fetal monitoring in detecting fetal
compromise1 but continuous electronic fetal monitoring is indicated in high risk patients whose foetuses are at
high risk for neonatal encephalopathy or cerebral palsy2. Objective of current study was to study the efficacy and
diagnostic value of non-stress test for surveillance and its usefulness to detect fetal distress at early stage which
helps to decide further management in mode of delivery.
Methods : Design : Prospective study. NST was done in 50 high risk patients for minimum of 20 minutes and in
patients with non-reactive NST it was continued for 40 minutes. Maternal age, parity, complications during labour
and delivery, mode of delivery, indications of caesarean section and perinatal outcome were noted.
Results : Out of total 50 cases studied patients delivered vaginally were 24 and caesarean was done in 26 cases.
Most LSCS were performed due to PIH (35%) and related complications like IUGR, eclampsia (10%), fetal
distress, previous caesarean pregnancy, oligohydramnios and meconium stained liquor. 52% patients were
delivered by caesarean section and 48% by vaginal delivery.
Conclusions : Routine use of electronic fetal heart monitoring helped in reduction of neonatal morbidity and
mortality with increased rate of caesarean section.