Evaluation of fetal monitoring by telemetry.

A radiotelemetry system for the direct monitoring of fetal heart rate and intrauterine pressure during labor has been evaluated at 5 different institutions. A conventional fetal scalp electrode and a special intrauterine pressure sensor are connected to a radio transmitter placed on the patient's thigh. The receiver can be located up to 50 feet away from the transmitter and is either a self-contained monitor or a unit that converts a conventional fetal monitor to a telemetric one. The telemetry recordings are of similar quality to those obtained from conventional monitors. Telemetry allows for greater patient comfort and mobility as well as greater convenience to the clinical staff. Continuous data can be obtained from patients while they are ambulatory or sitting in a chair as well as while they are in bed.