Fetal Monitoring Flashcards
Why do we use fetal monitoring ?
primary mode of intrapartum fetal assessment in the U.S
- useful took for assessing fetal response to labor and uterine activity
What are the goals of intrapartum fetal monitoring ?
- support maternal coping and labor progress
- maximize uterine blood flow
- maximize umbilical circulation
- maximize oxygenation
- maintain appropriate uterine activity
What are the 3 reasons why fetal oxygen supply can decrease ?
- reduction to blood flow
- reduction of oxygen content
- alterations in fetal circulation
What are the reasons of reduction of blood flow to fetus ?
- poor maternal circulation
- poor placental perfusion
What are the reasons for reduction of oxygen content to fetus ?
- maternal hemorrhage
- severe anemia
What are the reasons for alterations in fetal circulation in fetus ?
- cord compression
- head compression
- placental abruption
What are the different types of monitoring techniques ?
- intermittent auscultation
- electronic external and internal
What is intermittent auscultation ?
every 30 mins going to listen with the doppler
What is electronic monitoring ?
- External: intermittent and continuous with the Toco which is placed on the fundus because that is where all the pressure is
- Internal: invasive
How does the Toco work ?
as the mom contract it presses on the button which produces a wave that can be seen on the computer or paper
Where do you place an external fetal monitor ?
you palpate the mom’s abdomen to feel where the baby’s position is with Leopold’ Maneuver
- US transducer should be placed on fetal back and the Toco near the fundus (top) of uterus
- smooth side is baby’s back and pointy parts are arms/legs
Where is the fetal heart rate best heard ?
along the fetal back
What are the 2 internal electronic fetal monitoring devices ?
- fetal scalp electrode (FSE)
- intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC)
What is the fetal scalp electrode (FSE) ?
direct ECG monitoring of fetal heart where a thin wire is placed under the skin of the fetal head
- mom has to be dilated and water has to be broken
- Contraindications: infection (HIV, Hep B)
What is an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) ?
direct measurement of uterine pressure where a catheter is placed between fetal body and uterus
- in mmHg
- membranes must be ruptured (ROM) & cervix must be dilated
- goal is to be on the side of the fundus
- can poke hole in placenta (if have abnormal placenta placement then not done)
- in IN RN’s can’t do this
What does the fetal heart rate baseline tell you ?
reflects the intrinsic rhythm of fetal heart and central nervous system functioning
- assess q30 min
- if pt is on Pitocin then q15min
- ignore any big peaks or downward beaks when counting the average
What is the normal fetal heart rate baseline ?
110-160 bpm
- baseline rate is the average during a 10 min segment
What is bradycardia in FHR ?
baseline <110 bpm for duration of 10 minutes or longer
What is tachycardia in FHR ?
baseline >160 bpm for duration of 10 mins or longer
What are some causes of bradycardia in FHR ?
- interrupted O2 supply to fetus (occluded umbilical cord, maternal hypotension, hemorrhage)
- medications (Nubain) (any med given to mom affects the baby through placenta)
- post maturity