Fetal electroencephalography using a new, flexible electrode.

A single flexible active electrode for monitoring the fetal electroencephalogram (FEEG), has been designed specifically for use in routine obstetrics. It does not require penetration of or adherence to the fetal scalp, and it is reusable. The equipment's performance has been tested in 20 normal labours. The recordings obtained were not contaminated by the fetal electrocardiogram and were relatively free from artefact so that minimal filtering of the signal was required. No FEEG signal was obtained if the electrode was applied to breech presentations. The trace obtained from a healthy fetus was comparable with that recorded after delivery.