What is an IUPC in pregnancy?
An intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) is a device placed into the amniotic space during labor in order to measure the strength of uterine contractions. External tocodynamometers are used to measure tension across the abdominal wall and detect only contraction frequency and duration.
When do you put an IUPC?
IUPC use is associated with an increased risk for bacterial infection, maternal fever, and need for a surgical delivery. As a result, physicians generally use the IUPC only when external monitoring is difficult or when the cervix has stopped dilating.
What is a normal Mvu?
Charting frequency remains, if charting every 30 minutes either average the MVU’s or chart a range in the comments section of the uterine activity box. Adequate MVUs are considered to be in the range of: • 200-280 mmHg if the baseline uterine tone is subtracted from the total.
What is FSE and IUPC?
Intrauterine pressure catheters (IUPC) and fetal scalp electrodes (FSE) are commonly used devices for intrapartum monitoring and management.
Can you walk around with an IUPC?
Research has also shown that walking and upright positions positively influence the progress of labor. With IUPC, mobility is seriously hampered as these women are confined to bed because the catheter can fall out, when they walk around.
How is IUPC calculated?
It is calculated by internally (not externally) measuring peak uterine pressure amplitude (in mmHg), subtracting the resting tone of the contraction, and adding up the numbers in a 10-minute period. Uterine pressure is generally measured through an intrauterine pressure catheter.
How strong do contractions get MMHG?
Contractions can be described by frequency, duration, strength (amplitude), uniformity, and shape. During normal labor, the amplitude of contractions increases from an average of 30 mm Hg in early labor to 50 mm Hg in later first stage and 50 to 80 mm Hg during the second stage.
What MVUs are too high?
MVUs > 300 are considered excessive.
Where do you put FSE?
-Place the distal end of the FSE introducer sheath between the second and third fingers of the examining hand and advance between these fingers until it is firmly placed against the fetal head. Again ensure that you have avoided the fontanels, suture lines, and the maternal cervix.
What does a Tocodynamometer measure?
Tocodynamometers are electronic devices for monitoring and recording uterine contractions during labor. They are applied to the lower part of the uterus using a belt. “It was necessary to measure contractions through a device that was more affordable and easier to use than conventional tocodynamometers,” Lowery said.
What do contractions go up to on monitor?