[More fetal monitoring, more cesarean sections? An attempt at meta-analysis of the problem].

Has the introduction of continuous intrapartum fetal heart rate (F.H.R.) registration resulted in an increase of cesarean section (CS) rates? Our meta-analysis of literature published since 1970 reveals the weak intrinsic value of retrospective studies and the heterogeneity of randomised trials concerning this question. The impact of routine intrapartum FHR monitoring on CS rates is low--and even null--in selected groups; the relationship …