Effect of Growth Restriction on Fetal Heart Rate Patterns in the Second Stage of Labor

Kristina A. Epplin, Methodius G. Tuuli, Anthony O. Odibo, Kimberly A. Roehl, George A. Macones, Alison G. Cahill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) patterns in the second stage of labor. Study DesignWe performed a 5-year retrospective cohort study of consecutive singleton, nonanomalous, term gestations. We compared IUGR infants, those with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile, with non-IUGR infants, those greater than or equal to the 10th percentile. Our primary outcome was the EFM patterns in the 30 minutes before delivery. A secondary analysis was performed excluding infants with composite morbidity. Logistic regression was used to adjust for body mass index, race, nulliparity, induction, and protracted labor. ResultsOut of the 5,388 infants, 652 (12.1%) were IUGR. IUGR fetuses had less accelerations (29.0 vs. 35.9%, p < 0.01), even among apparently normal infants (29.0 vs. 36.4%, p < 0.01). IUGR fetuses had a higher risk of decelerations, and in all, IUGR accounted for 6% of late decelerations (attributable risk 0.06, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.10). There was no significant association between IUGR and bradycardia or minimal variability. ConclusionGrowth restriction at term confers an increased risk of late decelerations, even in the absence of neonatal morbidity. EFM patterns may require different interpretations based on a priori risk and clinical factors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)873-878
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of perinatology
Volume32
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 21 2015

Keywords

  • IUGR
  • fetal heart rate
  • fetal monitoring
  • growth restriction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of Growth Restriction on Fetal Heart Rate Patterns in the Second Stage of Labor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this