Fetal pulse oximetry and neonatal outcome

The purpose of this study was to compare the predictive value of intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry with that of fetal blood analysis for an abnormal neonatal outcome in case of abnormal feta heart rate. Fetal oxygen saturation was continuously monitored with Nellcor N-400 fetal pulse oximeter in case of an abnormal fetal heart rate during labor. Simultaneous readings of fetal heart rate and fetal blood analysis obtained before birth were compared with neonatal status. Abnormal neonatal outcome was defined as umbilical arterial pH