Table 2 Participant scenario variables
Variables compared across scenarios | CTG scenario | STan scenario |
|---|---|---|
External fetal monitoring method | Two discs (transducers) rest on mother’s stomach, one disc measures heartbeat and other disc monitors contractions. | Not available. |
Internal fetal monitoring method. | Electrode inserted through woman’s vagina, and attached to unborn baby’s scalp. Lead is attached to mother’s thigh. | Only fetal scalp electrode can be used. Electrode inserted through woman’s vagina, and attached to unborn baby’s scalp. Lead is attached to mother’s thigh. |
Movement during labour and contractions. | Abdominal belt: can stand, and move within a two-metre radius (length of cord connecting woman to monitor). Or, if using scalp electrode, must lay flat on bed. | Restricted mobility because need to be connected up to STan monitor. Mostly confined to bed. |
Delivery associated with each technology. | Increased chance of operative intervention including caesarean section. | Decreased chance of operative intervention including caesarean section. |