Electronic fetal monitoring as a routine practice in an obstetric service: A progress report

We feel that electronic fetal monitoring is an improvement over earlier methods for detecting fetal distress. Fetal distress is detected earlier, and positive action is taken at an earlier stage of the labor. Our statistics underscore Hon's findings that variable-deceleration patterns relate to cord complications; and late-deceleration patterns, to placental insufficiency. The marked decrease in the number of neonates with low Apgar scores is the result of fetal monitoring and improved clinical judgment.