#106 Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: Nomenclature, Interpretation, and General Management Principles Flashcards
What percentage of term pregnancies with fetal asphyxia had no known risk factors?
63%
How is the fetal heart rate modulated?
The fetal brain modulates FHR through interplay of sympathetic and parasympathetic forces
What are limitations of electronic fetal monitoring?
Poor interobserver and intraobserver reliability, uncertain efficacy, high false-positive rate
What components make up EFM?
Uterine contractions, baseline FHR, variability, presence of accelerations, periodic or episodic decelerations, and changes in these characteristics over time
What is the definition of uterine contraction frequency?
Number of contractions present in a 10-minute window, average over a 30-minute period
What factors are included in assessment of contractions?
Frequency, duration, intensity, relaxation time between contractions
What is the definition of the normal frequency of contractions?
Five contractions or less in 10 minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window
What is the definition of tachysystole?
More than five contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window
What is normal FHR baseline?
110-160 bpm
Definition of FHR baseline?
Mean FHR rounded to increments of 5bpm during a 10 min segment. Must be for a minimum of 2 minutes
Definition of baseline variability regarding EFM?
Fluctuations in the baseline that are irregular in amplitude and frequency
How is baseline variability quantified (EFM)?
Visually as amplitude of peak to trough in bpm.
What are variability categories and definitions for these categories (EFM)?
Absent - undetectable amplitude range
Minimal - amplitude range detectable but 5bpm or fewer
Moderate (normal) - amplitude 6-25bpm
Marked - amplitude >25bpm
What is the definition of FHR acceleration?
Abrupt increase (<30s to peak) in FHR. 32wks or greater 15x15. Less than 32 10x10. Not lasting more than two minutes (then it is a prolonged acceleration)
What is a prolonged acceleration?
Lasts 2 mins or more, but less than 10 minutes (>10 min is baseline change)
What is an early deceleration?
Visually apparent usually symmetrical gradual decrease (>30s) and return associated with uterine contraction, nadir of decel at same time as peak of contraction
What is a late deceleration?
Visually apparent usually symmetrical gradual decrease (>30s) and return of FHR associated with uterine contraction where nadir of decel occurs after peak of contraction
What is a variable deceleration?
Visually apparent abrupt (<30s) decrease in FHR. At least 15x15, not lasting more than 2 minutes
What is a prolonged deceleration?
Visually apparent decrease in FHR below baseline (at least 15bpm) lasting 2 minutes or moe, but less than 10 minutes (change in baseline)
What is a sinusoidal pattern?
Visually apparent, smooth, sine wave-like undulating patter in FHR baseline with a cycle frequency of 3-5 per minute which persists for 20 minutes or more
What information does FHR tracing patterns provide?
Information on current acid-base status of the fetus
What are category I FHR tracings associated with?
Strongly predictive of normal fetal acid-base status at the time of observation.
What do category II FHR tracings predict?
Nothing. Require evaluation and continued surveillance and reevaluation taking into account the entire associated clinical circumstances
What are category III FHR tracings associated with?
Abnormal fetal acid-base status at the time of observation.
How do you manage a category III FHR tracing?
Depending on clinical situation, efforts to expeditiously resolve the abnormal FHR pattern may include (but not limited to) maternal oxygen, change in maternal position, discontinuation of labor stimulation, treatment of maternal hypotension, treatment of tachysystole with FHR changes. If not resolved with these measures, deliver.