A Review of NICHD Standardized Nomenclature for Cardiotocography: The Importance of Speaking a Common Language When Describing Electronic Fetal Monitoring.

Despite evidence demonstrating no neonatal benefit, the medicolegal climate in the United States requires obstetricians to integrate continuous intrapartum surveillance into their care of the pregnant laboring patient. The intent of this article is to familiarize the reader with the standardized, quantitative nomenclature recommended to describe intrapartum cardiotocography in order to reduce miscommunication among providers caring for the laboring patient.