The medico-legal value of monitoring of the fetal heart rate during labor
Cynober, E.; Jeny, R.
Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et Biologie de la Reproduction 26(6): 561-6; Discussion 647-8
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-2315 PMID: 9453971 Document Number: 479864
We show that most litigations against obstetricians have to do with fetal cardiotocography. The experts called upon in this matter are faced with great difficulties mainly because of the variability in the interpretation of the cardiotocogram. The following questions are addressed: can one do without the fetal heart rate recording during labor? What is the relevance of such recording? The issue of the quality and of the storage of the recordings is addressed. So as to avoid the litigations, we suggest to respect "the right practice" which is developed.