The transcutaneous PO2 measurement as an additional evaluation index to the physiological and pathological conditions under delivery.

Transcutaneous PO2 was continuously recorded from 17 newborns sub partu by normal deliveries and four cases with umbilical cord complications. These data were correlated with the corresponding fetal heart rate alterations and the maximum of contraction directly and 30 s thereafter. During the course of delivery three stages are differentiated: first stage of labor, full cervix dilatation, second stage of labor. The statistical evaluation succeeded in the X2-test (P less than 0.01). Deriving from this result the tcPO2 measurement is an additional aiding procedure beside the cardiotocographic control for subpartal supervision.