Cardiotocograph

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The cardiotocograph is more commonly known as Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM). A cardiotocograph measures the fetal heart rate and the frequency of uterine contractions. The cardiotocograph was invented by Dr. Orvan Hess, who was also one of the first doctors to successfully treat a patient with penicillin in the United States.

When introduced, it was thought that this practice would reduce the incidence of fetal demise in labor and make for a reduction in cerebral palsy (CP). Its use became almost universal in the U.S.

In recent years there has been some controversy as to the utility of the cardiotocograph in low-risk pregnancies, and the related belief that over-reliance on the test has led to increased (and possibly unnecessary) cesarean deliveries. BMJ (British Medical Journal)de:Kardiotokografie