Fetal blood sampling and caesarean section for fetal distress; results of a pilot study

Summary

Fetal scalp blood sampling has been used widely as it was said to reduce the caesarean section rate for fetal distress. This view has been supported by little clinical evidence. We compared the caesarean section rate over 2 years, one before and one after the introduction of the liberal use of fetal blood sampling. There was a 32 per cent reduction in the caesarean section rate for fetal distress (P < 0.05) after the introduction of fetal scalp sampling. This reduction was not detrimental to the neonate as assessed by Apgar scores, or admissions to the special care baby unit, which fell with fetal scalp sampling. During the 2 years the neonatal and perinatal mortality remained steady.