Intrapartum fetal monitoring practices in Norway: A population-based study.

• Fourteen percent of all births were monitored with intermittent auscultation (IA), 46 % with cardiotocography (CTG) and 34 % with IA and CTG combined. • Half of all low-risk women with straightforward births were monitored with CTG alone or a combination of IA and CTG. • National guidelines recommending IA in low-risk women are not followed. • Approximately half of all low-risk women with straightforward births do not receive evidence based intrapartum fetal monitoring. To describe intrapartum fetal monitoring methods used in all births in Norway in 2019–2020, assess adherence to national guidelines, investigate variation by women's risk status, and explore associations influencing monitoring practices. A nationwide population-based study. We collected data about all pregnancies with a gestational age ≥ 22 weeks during 2019–2020 from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We used descriptive analyses, stratified for risk status, to examine fetal monitoring methods used in all deliveries. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with monitoring with cardiotocography (CTG) in low-risk, straightforward births. In total, 14 285 (14%) deliveries were monitored with only intermittent auscultation (IA), 46 214 (46%) with only CTG, and 33 417 (34%) with IA and CTG combined. Four percent (2 067/50 533) of women with risk factors were monitored with IA only. Half (10 589/21 282) of the low-risk women with straightforward births were monitored with CTG. Maternal and fetal characteristics, size of the birth unit and regional practices influenced use of CTG monitoring in this group. Most births are monitored with CTG only, or combined with IA. Half the women with low-risk pregnancies and straightforward births were monitored with CTG although national guidelines recommending IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]