Re: [ozmidwifery] fetal heart in labour

[Mary Murphy]

I acknowledge that Lesley & I are at odds on this question.  The informed choice guidelines ask some very important questions: "How do fetal heart rate patterns reflect foetal compromise?  The understanding and interpretation of variations in the foetal heart rate are still in it's infancy."  My observation is that there has been more harm done to mothers and babies from overzealous monitoring of foetal heart tones and the reaction to normal patterns that sound scary, than there has been from the more traditional frequency of auscultation. Denise asks a very valid question: "when does intermittent auscultation become continuous auscultation (listening after every contraction?) and an intervention in normal progress of birth?? " Cheers, MM I would really appreciate some opinions on frequency of listening to the FH in labour, particularly the second stage. I've always listened in every half hour in early labour, 15 minutely in cracking labour and after every contraction (and through some of them) in the second stage. I know of some midwives who do not feel this is necessary and so I'd love to hear more opinions. What I wonder is if the FH is not being listened in to how would you know whether to expedite the birth? Also if the worst happened how would it stand up in court? Thanks Lesley