When introduced, the invention of fetal monitoring was a boon! As it could detect fetal distress, it helped physicians to take necessary steps to avoid further complications in mother and in a child. However, over the years it has also been noted that fetal monitoring is associated with false positive rates and has not shown significantly reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy. In this regard, an interesting evidence-based article was published in a leading journal BMJ which discusses the role of fetal monitoring which is directly or indirectly related to increase in the cesarean deliveries.
The rate of cesarean deliveries has increased globally. In India, it was India 3% in 1992-93 which increased to 8% (in 2015-16), as per World health statistics. The reasons for the increase in cesarean births include: Use of electronic fetal monitoring during labor Increase in number of pregnancies…
