Perspectives in Medical Research

Abstract

Introduction: The main goal of an obstetrician in modern day is to deliver a baby in a good health and minimize the disability of the newborn. Intermittent fetal heart auscultation with a stethoscope gives an idea about fetal wellbeing.
Objectives: To detect fetal distress by intermittent fetal heart auscultation and correlate fetal heart rate with APGAR score.
Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 cases at term gestation admitted in Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences for a period of 2 years
Results: In the present study fetal distress was found to be 33%. 23% had low APGAR scores. Neonatal seizure rates, intrauterine and neonatal deaths were nil in the study.
Conclusion: Intermittent fetal heart auscultation in active stage of labor can effectively detect fetal distress.