Fetal scalp stimulation test is a diagnostic test used to detect

fetal A fetus or foetus (; plural fetuses, feti, foetuses, or foeti) is the unborn offspring that develops from an animal embryo. Following embryonic development the fetal stage of development takes place. In human prenatal development, fetal develo ...

metabolic acidemia Metabolic acidosis is a serious electrolyte disorder characterized by an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance. Metabolic acidosis has three main root causes: increased acid production, loss of bicarbonate, and a reduced ability of the kidneys ...

. It can be used as a non-invasive alternative to fetal scalp blood testing.

Procedure

A firm digital pressure on head or a gentle pinch of

fetal head The fetal head, from an obstetrical viewpoint, and in particular its size, is important because an essential feature of labor is the adaptation between the fetal head and the maternal bony pelvis. Only a comparatively small part of the head at ter ...

with atraumatic clamp is used for stimulation. An acceleration of the fetal heart rate of 15 bpm lasting at least 15 seconds is suggestive of normal fetal outcome.

References

Tests during pregnancy {{med-diagnostic-stub

Procedure

See also

References