A nonpenetrating fetal scalp electrode

To develop a nonpenetrating scalp electrode for intrapartum fetal monitoring. Preliminary observational evaluation of the device. An urban academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Fifteen women in labour. Application of the electrode for intrapartum monitoring. Quality of tracings, duration of application, disconnection of the electrode, marking of the scalp. Application was successful in 13 of 15 women, and high quality tracings obtained in 12. The design of scalp electrode tested is effective and produces high quality tracings in most cases.