Fetal pulse oximetry

Fetal pulse oximetry ( FPO )  is a method of fetal monitoring by determining fetal blood oxygen saturation. This is determined from the difference in the absorption of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin at 660 nm and 920 nm. It is measured on the fetal head during delivery.

The method makes it possible to reduce the number of cesarean sections, which would otherwise be performed unnecessarily.

Rating
In the first stage of labor, normal SpO 2 values ​​are 59% ± 10%, in the second stage of labor 53% ± 10%  .

The readings are clearly pathological if the saturation is less than 30% for 10 minutes. A single value below 10%, if measured correctly, indicates a certain pathology  .

Values ​​of around 80% or more indicate incorrect measurement (fetal blood is oxygenated by the mother, it cannot have such a saturation), measurement interference with the mother's saturation is likely  .

Related Articles

 * Fetal hypoxia
 * Intrapartum fetal monitoring
 * Cardiotocography
 * Fetal ECG (ST-analysis)

Recommended reading

 * MĚCHUROVÁ, Alena. Cardiotocography: minimum for practice. 1st edition. Prague: Maxdorf, 2012. 183 pp.  ISBN 978-80-7345-274-2.