Abstract: A system for in vivo monitoring of the presence and concentration of meconium and/or blood in amniotic fluid during labor by spectral analysis includes a probe for insertion in the uterus, the probe having a flexible body housing an optical cell. The probe has at least one aperture so that amniotic fluid can enter the cell. A fiber optic cable connects the cell to a light source and to a spectral analyzer, and the probe includes structure for shielding the fiber optic cable from any light scattered by the wall of the uterus or fetus.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a fetus during labor includes an elongated flexible, flattened body member formed from an electrically insulating material having a rounded distal end and having at least oen sensor mounted in a flat face of the body member. The body member is sufficiently directionally stable to be insertable into the vaginal tract and through the cervix and is capable of being guided around the fetus without twisting. The body member has a bending stiffness about an axis transverse to the plane of the body member of between 1 and 10 megaNewtons/m.sup.2. Once the apparatus is introduced into the cervix, the signal ouptut from at least one electrode is analyzed by discriminating the fetal heart rate from the maternal heart rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an indication of uterine activity in labor is described. Intrauterine pressure above the basal pressure existing between contractions is integrated over intervals of between ten and thirty minutes to give the required indication. An algorithm is disclosed for calculating dosage of a labor inducing substance, the algorithm containing safeguards to prevent hyperstimulation.