Fetal pulse oximetry has been advocated as a means of improving the specificity of cardiotocography in intrapartum fetal surveillance. The objective of this article, the first of two reviewing the current literature on fetal pulse oximetry, is to discuss the principles of this new and evolving technology, its development, and the various factors that can affect its readings during fetal monitoring. It serves as a prelude to the second article, which profiles the clinical application of fetal pulse oximetry. Literature pertaining to this topic was selected from a MEDLINE search from 1965 through September 1999, with additional sources obtained through cross-referencing.Target Audiencecolon;Obstetricians amp; Gynecologists, Family PhysiciansLearning Objectivescolon;After completion of this article, the reader will be able to explain the principles of fetal pulse oximetry, and describe the factors that affect the calibration of fetal pulse oximeters and the factors that affect the fetal pulse oximeter readings.
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