Fetal and Newborn Heart Monitoring During Labor and After Birth Using Cardiotocography and Neonatal ECG to Study Perinatal Asphyxia and Heart Function

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how to better assess the heart health of fetuses and newborn babies to improve care during and after birth. The study focuses on identifying babies at risk of perinatal asphyxia, a condition caused by lack of oxygen around the time of birth that can lead to illness or brain injury. The study also explores how maternal breathing during labor, especially with epidural pain relief, affects the babys oxygen levels and health outcomes. The research involves monitoring babies with cardiotocography and ST-segment analysis during labor, comparing those whose mothers receive epidural analgesia to those who do not. Blood samples from the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid will be collected to study oxygen and acid levels. Newborns will have heart monitoring using ECG and cardiac output measurements shortly after birth, especially if they need resuscitation or stabilization. Participants will be monitored from labor through delivery and the first minutes after birth. Researchers will collect data including heart electrical activity, cardiac enzymes, and blood gases, while also observing newborn outcomes. This data will help understand normal and abnormal heart transition from fetus to newborn. The study will continue to gather information until the newborn is at least 10 minutes old, with ongoing analysis of maternal and fetal blood samples during labor.

Fetal Assessment of the Myocardium and Evaluation of the Neonate