Assessment of the fetus during labour

Perinatal death or cerebral palsy is devastating for families. In an attempt to prevent these pregnancy outcomes, fetal wellbeing is assessed during labour by a variety of means during labour. In this review, the most common means to confirm fetal wellbeing, the rationale for their use and evidence of their efficacy in each of these settings are discussed. With respect to labour, the indications for continuous electronic fetal monitoring are presented, together with a guide to interpretation of cardiotocography (CTG) or fetal blood samples (FBS).