Could the central part of the partograph, the cervicograph be improved?

Abstract

Aims. Since partographs were introduced into obstetric practice, more than 50 years ago, the appearance of cervicographs as their central section has not been significantly changed. The aims of this article are to assess whether the current characteristics of cervicographs represent the optimal solution with regard to the rules for plotting data and to suggest what that optimal solution might be.

Methods. The literature was searched for papers containing reproductions of cervicographs to review their characteristics. According to the general rules for plotting data, values of three most important characteristics of cervicographs were defined.

Results. The characteristics of the majority of available cervicographs are: a dilatation scale smallest division 1 cm, a time scale smallest division 1 h and 1 cm/h dilatation rate line inclination less than 45°. The optimal characteristics of cervicographs are: a dilatation scale smallest division 2 cm, a time scale smallest division 5 min and 1 cm/h dilatation rate line inclination of 45°.

Conclusion. The scale divisions on the proposed cervicograph form are in predefined relation to the accuracy of the measurements made. This enables improved portrayal of labour.

Keywords:

• Partograph
• cervicograph
• partogram
• labour monitoring
• labour progress