Fetal monitoring in labour: summary and update of NICE guidance

What you need to knowThe new guideline on fetal monitoring emphasises that women are the decision makers; clinicians support decision makingA change in the fetal heart rate pattern indicates a change in the fetal conditionFetal heart rate monitoring is only one element of fetal assessment in labourRisk assessment should be performed hourly in labour for all womenWhen inducing or augmenting labour, monitoring and managing contraction frequency is key to reducing intrapartum hypoxiaThe NHS must support high quality, safe care for women and babies, ensuring that the woman or birthing person is empowered to make decisions about their care. However, in recent years multiple reports have highlighted concerns about care in labour12 and safety concerns over inconsistent approaches to cardiotocograph (CTG) categorisation, with three different classifications in use.345 This article summarises recommendations from the recent update of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on fetal monitoring in…
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