Solving the Obstetrical Paradox: The FETAL Technique—A Step toward Noninvasive Evaluation of Fetal pH

Table 1

Summary overview of the implications of a successful FETAL technique.

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(1) Identification of true fetal distress
 (a) Allows for adequate resuscitation or expedited delivery where appropriate
 (b) Reduces rates of NICU admission
(2) Reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery for suspected fetal distress
 (a) Reduces future rates of repeat cesarean delivery
 (b) Reduces risk of abnormal placentation and its associated complications
 (c) Reduces maternal morbidity and mortality
(3) Reduction in the rate of assisted vaginal delivery for suspected fetal distress
 (a) Reduces maternal morbidity
 (b) Reduces neonatal morbidity
(4) Lower rates of intervention during labour
 (a) Enhances chances of completing a spontaneous vaginal delivery
(5) Reduced rates of parental and provider psychological distress
 (a) Enhances therapeutic relationship between patient, family, and provider
 (b) Enhances chances of completing a spontaneous vaginal delivery
(6) Forensic analysis of tracings
 (a) Allows for education of providers
 (b) Identifies key window in labour where fetal distress is present

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