§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for approximately what percentage of births there is electronic foetal monitoring;
(2) how many obstetric units routinely use electronic foetal monitors.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyInformation on the location of monitors or the extent of their use is not collected centrally, but I understand that research studies show that they are in regular use in virtually all NHS maternity units.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research studies there have been into the benefits of electronic foetal monitors; and what conclusions were reached;
(2) what evidence is available as to whether foetal monitoring has affected (a) perinatal mortality or (b) the percentage of births which require a caesarean section.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI understand that studies have established that electronic foetal monitoring gives a more detailed measurement of foetal heart rate than the intermittent use of foetal stethoscope. Clinical practice on the interpretation of the readings from electronic monitors varies and evidence that they reduce the risk of perinatal mortality is not conclusive. The studies show that the caesarian section rate is up to one third higher where there has been electronic foetal monitoring, but the incidence is lower if there is complementary monitoring by foetal scalp blood sampling.