Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Fetal Monitoring in Birth: High C-Section Rates Questioned

11/7/2025

32 4

Summary

Story summary

In U.S. hospitals, nearly all women giving birth are monitored with fetal heart rate sensors and remote monitoring hubs, a practice that often triggers emergency C-sections.
Research shows these sensors do not reliably predict fetal distress.
One in three U.S. deliveries end in cesarean, keeping the rate high.
Dr. Steven L. Clark, an obstetrician, notes the lack of evidence and says the practice continues without justification.

1 of 1

Story summary

In U.S. hospitals, nearly all women giving birth are monitored with fetal heart rate sensors and remote monitoring hubs, a practice that often triggers emergency C-sections.
Research shows these sensors do not reliably predict fetal distress.
One in three U.S. deliveries end in cesarean, keeping the rate high.
Dr. Steven L. Clark, an obstetrician, notes the lack of evidence and says the practice continues without justification.