Fetal heart rate monitoring category 3 during the 2nd stage of labor is an independent predictor of fetal acidosis.

AbstractObjective: To determine whether fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring categories during the 1st and 2nd stage of labor can predict arterial cord pH   7.2 (n = 338). Deliveries occurred during the year 2013 in tertiary medical center, where arterial cord pH is routinely taken after birth. Intrapartum FHR monitoring categorization was defined according to the ACOG committee guidelines by two obstetricians. Multivariable models were constructed to control for confounders.Results: Variable decelerations, late decelerations and bradycardia during the 1st and 2nd stages of labor were significantly higher in group of deliveries ended in cord pH   7.2. A significant association was observed between category 2 and 3 during the 1st stage of labor and pH ...