Improving Labor and Delivery Through the Increased use of Wireless Electronic Fetal Monitoring Systems

Maternal mobility and position changes throughout labor and delivery are key components that promote optimal fetal positioning, aid in the progression of labor stages, and improve pain management. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring to track fetal well-being and contraction rates commonly require women to be tethered by short wires to a cardiotocography machine for much of their labor and delivery experience. Research shows that the frequent use of wired monitoring interferes with maternal mobility and that limiting movement in women can slow labor progression and negatively impact pain management. Studies have also shown that wireless monitoring is an alternative option that allows for continuous fetal heart tracing without restricting women’s freedom of movement. Despite the benefit of wireless monitoring, many labor and delivery units only have a few wireless monitors on hand and infrequently utilize this technology. This proposed study aims to determine if increasing the use of wireless electronic fetal monitoring will enhance labor progression and improve pain management among laboring women. The study requires a sample of 100 women: 50 will use the standard wired monitoring, 50 will use a wireless monitoring option, and pain assessments will be done on every patient at least every 4 hours during active cervical dilation. Sample inclusion criteria are primigravida, unruptured, at least 38 weeks gestation, within the first stage of labor, and no history of maternal-fetal complications. Sample exclusion criteria are multigravida, ruptured, below 38 weeks gestation, deliveries ending in cesarian sections, and maternal-fetal complications. The time it takes to complete each stage of labor and the average pain scores during active cervical dilation among both groups will be analyzed and compared using retrospective chart reviews. These data results will determine if increased use of wireless fetal monitoring is an effective intervention that should be implemented within evidence-based practice for laboring women.