European experience with a novel noninvasive sensor for intra-amniotic or extra-amniotic evaluation of fetal oxygen saturation

We evaluated the feasibility of a new instrument for continuous fetal pulse oximetry during labor. The measuring sensor can be placed on the fetal back before or after rupture of membranes. One hundred adult women who had completed 32 weeks of gestation and had an anticipated duration of labor greater than 30 minutes were included in the study. Patients with premature rupture of membranes for 24 hours or more, low placental localization, placenta previa or abruption, vaginal bleeding, acute infection, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, or uterine or congenital abnormalities were excluded. All sensors were placed successfully. The mean continuous recording time was 276 minutes. Peripheral oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximeter values were obtained during a median of 64.05% of the recording time. No chorioamnionitis or endometritis was noted. The new sensor instrumentation was safe for mother and fetus and was well accepted by parents and physicians.