Australian women's experiences of wearing a non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NIFECG) device during labour.

Coddington, R; Scarf, V; Fox, D

Australian women's experiences of wearing a non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NIFECG) device during labour.

Coddington, R Scarf, V

Fox, D

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Publisher:: Elsevier
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Women Birth, 2023, 36, (6), pp. 546-551
Issue Date:: 2023-11

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Coddington, R
dc.contributor.author	Scarf, V https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3503-9610
dc.contributor.author	Fox, D https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8032-8633
dc.date.accessioned	2023-11-06T23:22:43Z
dc.date.available	2023-03-08
dc.date.available	2023-11-06T23:22:43Z
dc.date.issued	2023-11
dc.identifier.citation	Women Birth, 2023, 36, (6), pp. 546-551
dc.identifier.issn	1871-5192
dc.identifier.issn	1878-1799
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/173104
dc.description.abstract	BACKGROUND: Continuous electronic fetal monitoring devices can restrict women's freedom of movement and choice of positioning during labour and birth. Despite the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring for the past 50 years, little attention has been paid to women's experiences of wearing different fetal monitoring devices in labour. AIM: To explore women's views and experiences of wearing a beltless continuous electronic fetal monitoring device, the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram during labour. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Recruitment was via a larger clinical feasibility study. Some women who consented to take part in the clinical feasibility study also consented to being interviewed during the postnatal period. Transcripts were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Women reported improved comfort when wearing the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram device. They appreciated how it enabled freedom of movement and an ability to actively participate in labour. They compared their experience with previous use of cardiotocography which they felt compromised their bodily autonomy. All forms of continuous electronic fetal monitoring experienced by women resulted in the unwelcome experience of 'Poking and prodding' by the midwife. DISCUSSION: Continuous electronic fetal monitoring can negatively impact women's labour and birth experience, particularly when the measurement of fetal wellbeing is prioritised. CONCLUSION: The way in which continuous electronic fetal monitoring technology is designed and used is an important component of optimising physiological processes and positive experiences for women during labour and birth for women with complex pregnancies. Non-invasive fetal electrocardiograpy is a promising additional option for women.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Elsevier
dc.relation.ispartof	Women Birth
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.005
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	11 Medical and Health Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
dc.subject.classification	3215 Reproductive medicine
dc.subject.classification	4204 Midwifery
dc.title	Australian women's experiences of wearing a non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NIFECG) device during labour.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	36
utslib.location.activity	Netherlands
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Midwifery
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2023-11-06T23:22:42Z
pubs.issue	6
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	36
utslib.citation.issue	6

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Continuous electronic fetal monitoring devices can restrict women's freedom of movement and choice of positioning during labour and birth. Despite the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring for the past 50 years, little attention has been paid to women's experiences of wearing different fetal monitoring devices in labour. AIM: To explore women's views and experiences of wearing a beltless continuous electronic fetal monitoring device, the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram during labour. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Recruitment was via a larger clinical feasibility study. Some women who consented to take part in the clinical feasibility study also consented to being interviewed during the postnatal period. Transcripts were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Women reported improved comfort when wearing the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram device. They appreciated how it enabled freedom of movement and an ability to actively participate in labour. They compared their experience with previous use of cardiotocography which they felt compromised their bodily autonomy. All forms of continuous electronic fetal monitoring experienced by women resulted in the unwelcome experience of 'Poking and prodding' by the midwife. DISCUSSION: Continuous electronic fetal monitoring can negatively impact women's labour and birth experience, particularly when the measurement of fetal wellbeing is prioritised. CONCLUSION: The way in which continuous electronic fetal monitoring technology is designed and used is an important component of optimising physiological processes and positive experiences for women during labour and birth for women with complex pregnancies. Non-invasive fetal electrocardiograpy is a promising additional option for women.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/173104