ABSTRACT
Fetal monitoring may allow recognition of the problem but no advance warning. Some cases of abnormal intrapartum monitoring may have their roots in fetal development. Fetal cardiac anomalies are frequently undiagnosed antenatally and carry considerable morbidity and mortality. Many events, such as cord prolapse or abruption, may be so acute as to have no preceding period of deterioration in fetal wellbeing. A fetal tachycardia may arise secondary to a maternal tachycardia, often in response to pain or maternal pyrexia. Fetal scalp pH studies remain the principal secondary test of intrapartum fetal wellbeing. Fetal cardiac anomalies are frequently undiagnosed antenatally and carry considerable morbidity and mortality. It is logical to assume that an abnormal heart will respond to the haemodynamic changes of labour atypically. Fetal bradycardia can arise with any acute reduction in fetal oxygenation, such as cord compression, abruption or uterine hyperstimulation.
