Spontaneous Fetal EEG Recording During Labor

The investigators' objective is to validate the feasibility of acquiring the new modality of human fetal bioelectrical activity, EEG, derived from the routinely used scalp FHR monitor.

The investigators expect that in some newborns acidemia will be detected based on cord blood pH. In these babies, the investigators will trace back the EEG recordings to further validate whether the EEG - FHR patterns were predictive of this outcome. In fetal sheep model of human labour the investigators were able to see the onset of acidemia <55 min ahead of severe drop of pH to <7.00. This corresponded to an average pH of 7.20.

The investigators hypothesize that they will be able to acquire fetal EEG during labour such that the normal behavioural sleep states will be observed and their disruption, followed by emergence of the pathognomonic EEG-FHR pattern will be seen with incipient acidemia.

At-risk pregnant women routinely admitted for intrapartum monitoring will be asked to consent when the Fetal Scalp Monitor (FSM) is placed. The attachment will be such that no direct contact to mother or baby will be established and hence no current from device to the mother or the baby will be possible. The EEG fetal health monitoring device is attached to the routinely used fetal heart rate (FHR) GE HC Corometrix 250cx monitor. The EEG recording will commence only once the FSM is attached; the attachment of the FSM will be performed based on medical necessity, not based on the need to record EEG.

Duration of recording will be dependent on the labour duration. However, the investigators will seek for a minimum of 30 minutes and continue as long as medically possible per subject.

Fetal EEG will be analyzed as published. The quickest reference to the analytical approach is given here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0108119.g001

Cord blood gas at delivery will be recorded from electronic medical record, as it is taken routinely at birth. Basic maternal and neonatal clinical characteristics (BMI, APGAR scores, number of pregnancies and live births, maternal and fetal ages at birth), will also be taken from the medical record.

b. Experience and preliminary work. Briefly describe experience or preliminary work or data (if any) that you or your team have that supports the feasibility and/or safety of this study. Nine years of research and development to show that fetal EEG measurements can predict the level of acidemia at birth. Safety testing performed on site successfully for recording fetal EEG during labor as described.

Inclusion criteria

Women in labor, with medical complications of pregnancy, such as IUGR, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity (BMI over 30).

Exclusion criteria

• Maternal or fetal infection or bleeding disorder;
• Birth through Caesarian section will only be excluded if decided a priori;
• Non-English speaking.