Fetal monitoring: its effect on the perinatal mortality and cesarean section rates and its complications.

Direct fetal monitoring was employed in 608 patients, 96 per cent of whom were though to be at "high risk". A definite rise in the primary cesarean section rate occurred, but 107 cesarean sections were averted. Fetal deaths after admission as well as the total perinatal mortality rates were reduced. Apgar scores were recorded, and low Apgar scores correlated with fetal distress patterns. Complications consisted of only one uterine perforation and two cephalohematomas; no evidence of puerperal pyrexia was noted secondary to intrauterine catheter placement.