METHODS FOR EXAMINATION OF FETAL CARDIAC HEMODYNAMICS DURING LABOR: FROM STETHOSCOPE TO OXIMETRY
The paper reviews the literature on the evaluation of fetal functional status during pregnancy and labor. It considers invasive and noninvasive methods for the diagnosis of the fetal status, their specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Particular emphasis is laid on new approaches to diagnosing the discredited fetal status, on fetal echocardiography in particular. The efficiency, advantages, disadvantages, and possible perspectives in the use of pregnancy and labor are estimated.