Uterine activity monitoring during labor
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Petra C.A.M. Bakker
Abstract
Aim: To summarize the currently available knowledge on (1) the methods to monitor uterine activity (UA); (2) the units to quantify UA; and (3) to assess the importance of abnormal contraction patterns on the condition of the fetus. The need for correct assessment and interpretation of the uterine contraction curve to improve fetal outcome will be emphasized.
Study results: Correct assessment of the uterine contraction curve is an essential part of the cardiotocogram and should be obtained by the best method available; i.e., internal tocography (IT). IT provides objective information on quantization of UA and has the ability to obtain a good quality trace in an obese, restless patient. Accurate information on UA is essential because elevated UA during the first and second stage of labor can increase the risk of adverse fetal outcome. The relaxation time appears to be an important contraction parameter to maintain fetal well-being during labor. Almost all abnormal contraction patterns are characterized by shortening of the relaxation time and can lead to severe asphyxia. Duration, amplitude and frequency of contractions are of importance as well. The mean active pressure unit is the means to quantify UA since it incorporates these three contraction parameters.
Conclusion: Proper application of UA monitoring by means of the internal method and adequate reading and interpretation of the uterine contraction curve is a prerequisite for high quality electronic fetal heart rate monitoring.
©2007 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
Articles in the same Issue
- Index Volume 35 (2007)
- Index - Authors
- Acknowledgement
- Index - Subjects
- Editorial
- The Istanbul international consensus statement on the perinatal care of multiple pregnancy
- Uterine activity monitoring during labor
- Is non-directive counseling for patient choice cesarean delivery ethically justified?
- GDM women in good glycemic control: which meal-related measure enhances fetal well-being?
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: detection with urinary bile acid assays
- Elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women: identification of a high-risk population and interventions
- Correlation of transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization in pregnancy
- Adiponectin in severe preeclampsia
- Resistin: a hormone which induces insulin resistance is increased in normal pregnancy
- Plasma adiponectin concentrations in non-pregnant, normal and overweight pregnant women
- Impact of the new French clinical practice recommendations in embolization in postpartum and post-abortion hemorrhage: study of 48 cases
- The relationship between congenital malformations and preterm birth
- Obstetrical factors for death and brain injury among extremely-low-birth-weight infants
- Early detection of a congenital coronary artery fistula in a neonate by Doppler color flow mapping
- The exit procedure (ex-utero intrapartum treatment): management of giant fetal cervical teratoma
- Intestinal trefoil factor in treatment of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in the rat model
- Intestinal trefoil factor in treatment of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in the rat model
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Congress Calendar
Articles in the same Issue
- Index Volume 35 (2007)
- Index - Authors
- Acknowledgement
- Index - Subjects
- Editorial
- The Istanbul international consensus statement on the perinatal care of multiple pregnancy
- Uterine activity monitoring during labor
- Is non-directive counseling for patient choice cesarean delivery ethically justified?
- GDM women in good glycemic control: which meal-related measure enhances fetal well-being?
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: detection with urinary bile acid assays
- Elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women: identification of a high-risk population and interventions
- Correlation of transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization in pregnancy
- Adiponectin in severe preeclampsia
- Resistin: a hormone which induces insulin resistance is increased in normal pregnancy
- Plasma adiponectin concentrations in non-pregnant, normal and overweight pregnant women
- Impact of the new French clinical practice recommendations in embolization in postpartum and post-abortion hemorrhage: study of 48 cases
- The relationship between congenital malformations and preterm birth
- Obstetrical factors for death and brain injury among extremely-low-birth-weight infants
- Early detection of a congenital coronary artery fistula in a neonate by Doppler color flow mapping
- The exit procedure (ex-utero intrapartum treatment): management of giant fetal cervical teratoma
- Intestinal trefoil factor in treatment of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in the rat model
- Intestinal trefoil factor in treatment of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in the rat model
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Congress Calendar
