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| Procedure | Continuous electronic fetal monitoring |
| What Is It? | Continual electronic tracing of fetal heart rate |
| Who Needs It? | A fetus with intrauterine growth retardation or an ill fetus |
| Who Doesn't Need It | Normal fetuses, although ascultation of fetal heart tones periodically is as effective and complies with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) standards |
| Risks | 1. Increases rate of cesarean section unnecessarily 2. Increases in false diagnosis of fetal distress |
| Benefit | Constant surveillance of the ill fetus. Nursing surveillance can be done at a central monitor, requiring fewer nurses |

