American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 199, Issue 1 , Pages 34.e1-34.e5, July 2008

Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns

Presented at the National Congress on the State of the Science in Nursing Research, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, American Academy of Nursing, Washington, DC, Oct. 12-14, 2006, and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses National Convention, Orlando, FL, June 23-27, 2007.

  • Kathleen Rice Simpson, PhD, RNC

      Affiliations

    • Labor and Delivery, St John's Mercy Medical Center, St Louis, MO
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprints: Dr Kathleen Rice Simpson, 7140 Pershing Ave, St Louis, MO 63130.
    • ,
  • Dotti C. James, PhD, RNC

      Affiliations

    • Doisy College of Health Sciences School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO.

Received 22 July 2007; received in revised form 12 October 2007; accepted 19 December 2007. published online 17 March 2008.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate effects of oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation on fetal oxygen saturation and fetal heart rate patterns.

Study Design

Uterine activity of 56 women was evaluated retrospectively for hyperstimulation lasting 30 minutes using 2 definitions: group 1: 5 or more but less than 6 contractions in 10 minutes (n = 102, 30-minute periods); group 2: 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes (n = 56, 30-minute periods). Fetal oxygen saturation and heart rate patterns during each period and the preceding 30 minutes of less than 5 contractions in 10 minutes were compared.

Results

Hyperstimulation was associated with significant oxygen desaturation: (group 1 = 10.68 [20%] decrease from 52.14 to 41.46; P < .001); group 2 = 15.34 [29%] decrease from 52.02 to 36.68: P < .001) and significantly more nonreassuring fetal heart rate characteristics, compared with normal uterine activity.

Conclusion

Hyperstimulation is associated with negative effects on fetal status. The more contractions in 30 minutes, the more pronounced the effect.

Key words: electronic fetal monitoring, fetal oxygen saturation/fetal pulse oximetry, fetal safety, labor induction, oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation

 

 Cite this article as: Simpson KR, James DC. Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199:34.e1-34.e5.

 This study was supported by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses through a technology grant from Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA; St John's Mercy Medical Center Perinatal Nursing Research Fund; and a Saint Louis University Beaumont Faculty Development Grant.

PII: S0002-9378(07)02295-8

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.12.015

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 199, Issue 1 , Pages 34.e1-34.e5, July 2008