Fetal scalp electrodes may be attached only after the neck of the womb has dilated to at least 2 cm, and the amniotic sac (the bag of water around the fetus) has ruptured. A sensor is usually strapped to the mother’s thigh. A thin wire (electrode) from the sensor is put through the womb (uterus). The electrode is then attached to the baby's scalp to monitor the baby’s heartbeat. A small tube (catheter) that measures contractions may be placed in the womb next to the baby. The strength and timing of your contractions are often printed out on a chart. A normal fetal heart rate range is 115-150 beats per minute.
- A slow heart rate may indicate the baby is not getting enough oxygen delivery to the brain.
- A fast heart rate may indicate oxygen deprivation.
- Variable decelerations are irregular dips in the fetal heart rate that may indicate cord compression, a potentially dangerous condition for the baby.
- Late decelerations begin with a womb contraction and continue for too long after the contraction has resolved. This may be a sign that the baby is distressed.
Using fetal scalp electrodes may provide an accurate condition of the baby during labor.
What happens if the fetal heart rate is not normal?
If the baby’s heart rate is not normal doctor may follow the below steps:
- May give mother oxygen supplementation to breathe
- May change the mother’s position
- Start intravenous (IV) fluids
- Give medicine to stop or slow the contractions or to lessen their strength
- Deliver the baby right away with forceps or vacuum extraction
- Deliver the baby by cesarean delivery
What are the possible risks involved during attaching the fetal scalp electrode?
The risks of the procedure include:
- The electrode may cause an infection in the baby
- Improper placement of the electrode may injure the baby
- The catheter put into the uterus may cause bleeding if it goes through the placenta or the womb wall, or it may cause an infection in the uterus.
When does a doctor recommend the fetal scalp electrode?
Doctors usually recommend a fetal scalp electrode due to the below reasons:
- If the mother has a problem during pregnancy or labor, the doctor may need continuous fetal heart rate monitoring to observe the baby’s condition
- When the doctor wants to measure the strength of your contractions
- When the external monitor (placed on the mother’s belly) is not recording accurately
- When it is a high-risk pregnancy
- When the mother has an illness, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- When the mother is given the drug Oxytocin that helps stimulate and strengthen the contractions
When is the fetal scalp electrode not recommended?
The membrane and fluid, called the bag of water or amniotic fluid, surrounding the baby must be broken to put the instruments into the uterus. For this reason, there are times when the doctor may not use fetal scalp electrode:
- When the placenta is covering the opening to the womb (a condition called placenta previa)
- When the baby is too high in the womb and breaking the bag of waters could be dangerous
- When the mother has a severe infection, such as herpes or HIV, the doctor may not use a fetal scalp electrode. Using an internal monitor could increase the chance of spreading the infection to the baby.
QUESTION
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? See AnswerTop How Is a Fetal Scalp Electrode Attached? Related Articles
Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)
Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as false labor pains. Though these irregular uterine contractions may occur in the second trimester, they're more likely to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Unlike true labor pains, false labor pains are often irregular, may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions, and the contractions do not get closer together or stronger.
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor: How to Tell the Difference
Some pregnant women may mistake Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) for real labor contractions, especially in the first pregnancy. Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain. Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in third trimester of pregnancy, however, sometimes can occur in the second trimester. True labor contractions begin around your due date (unless your baby is preterm, in which you will be in preterm labor). So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few similarities and differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and True or real labor contractions.Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy, and are not as painful as real labor contractions; do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return.
Labor contractions
Frequently one of the early symptoms and signs of true labor is when the contractions begin to occur less than 10 minutes apart.
Real labor
Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain; may feel similar to menstrual cramps; and sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can be triggered by dehydration, sexual intercourse, increased activity of the mother or baby, touching of the pregnant woman's abdomen, or a distended bladder.
Natural and home remedies to soothe and provide comfort for Braxton Hicks contractions include relaxation exercises like deep breathing or mental relaxation; change positions or take a walk if you have been active and rest; drink a glass of herbal tea or water; eat; or soak in a warm bath for 30 minutes (or less).
Preterm labor signs and symptomsWhen you have reached 37 weeks, and the contractions are more painful and are increasing in frequency you will have abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping, an increase in pelvic pressure or back pain, and the contractions are more than four contractions an hour.
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Curettage and electrodesiccation (C and E) are used to treat skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma). The technique is only used for well-defined, superficial, and small lesions located over the chest, upper arm, back, and tummy. It may be used to treat non-cancerous skin conditions such as seborrheic keratosis, warts, and sebaceous hyperplasia of the skin as well.
How Long Does It Take to Go Into Labor After Being Induced?
The time it takes to go into labor after being induced can take anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 days. Learn what to expect when inducing labor. Check out the center below for more medical references on labor and childbirth, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
malathion
Malathion is a synthetic phosphorous compound (organophosphate) approved for topical use to kill head lice and also used off-label for pubic lice infestation that is resistant to other treatments. Do not use malathion on newborns or infants younger than 2 years old. Common side effects of malathion include skin and scalp irritation, stinging of skin, chemical burns (including second-degree burns), contact allergic sensitization, inflammation of the outer eye membrane (conjunctivitis) from accidental contact with the eyes.
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