Cardiotocograph

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The cardiotocograph is more commonly known as Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM). A cardiotocograph measures the fetal heart rate and the frequency of uterine contractions, using two separate disc-shaped transducers. An ultrasound transducer measures the fetal heartbeat. The second transducer is pressure-sensitive and measures the strength and frequency of uterine contractions.

The cardiotocograph was invented by Dr. Orvan Hess, who was also one of the first doctors to successfully treat a patient with penicillin in the United States.

When introduced, it was thought that this practice would reduce the incidence of fetal demise in labor and make for a reduction in cerebral palsy (CP). Its use became almost universal in the U.S.

In recent years there has been some controversy as to the utility of the cardiotocograph in low-risk pregnancies, and the related belief that over-reliance on the test has led to increased (and possibly unnecessary) cesarean deliveries. BMJ (British Medical Journal)