simple device for monitoring the progress of labor

ABSTRACT

A simple device for monitoring the progress of labour is described. The device is applied to the fetal head during labour and allows the accurate and continuous determination of the amount of descent and rotation of the head as well as the amount of cervical dilatation without the need of repeated vaginal examinations. The device has been incorporated into a reusable fetal scalp electrode and can therefore allow the dual mechanical and electronic monitoring during labour. A preliminary study of 50 multiparous subjects with spontaneous vaginal deliveries has shown that the device is practical, simple to use and can accurately determine the amount of descent, rotation and cervical dilatation