Episode 157 Monitoring the Fetus in Labour

How much trust are you placing on the CTG monitor as you welcome a new life into the world? Get ready to have your beliefs challenged as Dr. Kirsten Small and I dissect the language and implications surrounding fetal monitoring during labor. We dive beneath the surface to expose how CTG monitoring can become a source of moral panic, shifting the focus from the true essence of childbirth.

Dr. Small, a critical voice in the field, and I navigate the complex world of CTG monitoring. We reveal how misleading language and beliefs can cloud our judgement about its effectiveness. Our conversation brings to light the dire need for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate physiology-based CTG interpretation conclusively. Together, we grapple with the challenge midwives and healthcare professionals face in reconciling evidence-based understanding with the stringent guidelines they are bound by.

As our enlightening chat progresses, we unmask the complex nature of fetal monitoring during labor. From discussing Dr. Small's informative online courses to debating the implications of directly measuring oxygen levels in labor, we leave no stone unturned. We challenge the concept of central monitoring in labor, discussing its effectiveness and potential challenges. Whether you're a maternity professional, birth worker, or someone intrigued by fetal heart rate monitoring, this conversation offers insights and debates that will make you reconsider what you thought you knew. Tune in for a perspective-altering discussion that is sure to stimulate your thinking around fetal monitoring.

You can find Kirsten & her courses here on her website https://birthsmalltalk.com/
as well as on Instagram & Twitter @birthsmalltalk

Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...