APPLICATION OF INTRAPARTUM ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
ABSTRACT
Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is electronically printing heart
rate of fetal (FHR) synchronously with myometrium contractions.
Intrapartum EFM is one of the most commonly used obstetrical practices
used in the evaluation of fetal well-being. The purpose of this review is
to provide information about the types and application frequency of EFM
which is widely applied in the labor, its four basic patterns, threecategory
classification system for FKH tracings, the monitoring of the
fetus according to this system and to reveal the basic responsibilities of
health care professionals (such as midwife, obstetricians) in EFM
applications. With EFM, it is aimed to identify a possible fetal hypoxia
condition early and to prevent neonatal sequelae and death by performing
necessary care and treatment services. While EFM’s positive predictive
value in determining healthy fetuses is very high, this value is not high
in determining asphyxiated fetuses. The effectiveness of intrapartum EFM
depends on a good interpretation of FKH in tracing with all its patterns
(basal speed, acceleration, deceleration and variability) and monitoring
the fetus with standardized categorical protocols in parallel with this
interpretation. Healthcare professionals have important responsibilities
on application, interpretation and monitoring of EFM.
Keywords: Intrapartum, Fetal Heart Rate, Electronic Fetal
Monitoring, Three-Category Classification,