Effect of manual fetal scalp stimulation on fetal heart rate during labor

Accurate assessment of the state of fetal well-being during labor is a priority and more accurate assessments are obtained if multiple parameters are assessed. This investigator proposed manual fetal scalp stimulation as an assessment tool that is easily performed, gives immediate results, and is less invasive than other tools. Fetal heart rate accelerations meeting specific criteria are indicative of fetal well-being. In this study, it was hypothesized that manual fetal scalp stimulation would produce fetal heart rate accelerations in the low-risk fetus during labor. An equivalent time samples design was used to study 28 low risk maternal/fetal dyads. Fetal heart rate patterns were observed, evaluated, and measured 112 times. One-half of these observations were preceded by manual fetal scalp stimulation. Fetal heart rate accelerations were measured by established criteria. Results supported the hypothesis that manual fetal scalp stimulation does produce fetal heart rate accelerations (p < .001).