Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring during cesarean section in cases of fetal distress.

Twelve fetuses in whom the diagnosis of fetal distress was made during first stage of labor were included in the study. All 12 patients underwent urgent cesarean section during which fetal heart rate (FHR) was recorded continuously. In 50% of the cases, marked improvement of FHR was registered early in the course of the operation. Improvement in fetal status is attributed to adequate oxygenation and cessation of uterine activity.