Fetal Scalp Sampling

What is fetal scalp sampling?

Fetal scalp sampling is a procedure in which a small amount of blood is taken from a baby's scalp during labor. It may help your healthcare provider know if your baby is getting enough oxygen.

When is it used?

During labor an electronic monitor may be used to check the baby's heart rate. If the baby's heart rate is abnormal, your healthcare provider may want to test the baby's blood to see if the baby is getting enough oxygen.

If your cervix isn't dilated or if the baby isn't positioned right, it may not be possible to do the blood test.

What happens during fetal scalp sampling?

You lie on your back or on your side with your top leg bent up. Your healthcare provider inserts a small round cone into your vagina to look at your cervix and the baby's head.

Your provider cleans the baby's scalp, makes a slight cut, and catches a small amount of blood in a tube.

What happens after fetal scalp sampling?

The pH level of the blood is tested. If the pH is low, your baby may not be getting enough oxygen. Depending on the results of the test, your healthcare provider will decide whether to allow labor to continue. If labor does continue, another sample of blood from the scalp may be tested later. Your provider may decide to deliver the baby right away instead of allowing labor to continue.

What are the benefits of fetal scalp sampling?

Scalp sampling helps your healthcare provider to try to determine if the baby is getting enough oxygen or if the baby needs to be delivered right away.

What are the risks of fetal scalp sampling?

Any time a cut is made, there is a risk of bleeding or infection for the baby. However, this is rare.