Episode 164 Intermittent Auscultation

Join me & my guest Dr. Kirsten Small as we build on our previous joint episode 157 Fetal heart monitoring in labour. This time we discuss the world of intermittent auscultation, you'll be enlightened by the evolution from the hands-on Pinard stethoscope to the advanced Doppler device. Dr. Small shares her expertise on the intimate connection care providers once had with this practice and how it's changing in today's clinical settings. We also examine the remarkable methods midwives employ in various care environments to monitor fetal well-being, revealing the depth and diversity of approaches.

Listen as we discuss cardiotocograph interpretation, the myths surrounding traditional CTG patterns and upend long-held beliefs about fetal distress. We discuss the need to re-evaluate our understanding of decelerations. This episode promises to arm you with knowledge and provoke reflection on the stories we've accepted without question.

We compare intermittent auscultation and continuous electronic fetal monitoring. We lay out the importance of considering the full spectrum of fetal heart rate information, dissecting the biases that can sway clinical judgment. Dr. Small's insights offer clarity on the practical application of guidelines required to ensure informed clinical decisions. This episode not only educates but also invites you to contribute to our ongoing conversation about the complexities of maternity care.

Want to know more?
https://birthsmalltalk.com/
Kirsten has many fascinating blog posts to explore we touch on a couple of them here
https://birthsmalltalk.com/2023/05/24/keeping-up-with-physiology-research/
https://birthsmalltalk.com/2022/01/12/whats-the-deal-with-early-decelerations-and-head-compression/
She also runs online fetal monitoring courses for maternity professionals.
https://birthsmalltalk.com/courses/

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.
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