The effect of intravenous ritodrine on the acid-base status of the fetus during the second stage of labour.
A progressive fetal respiratory acidosis occurs in the second stage of labour. A double-blind controlled trial showed that the intravenous infusion of Ritodrine abolished this.
There is no evidence to support the prophylactic use of betamimetics during the second stage of labour. Future research should address the use of tocolysis for the management of fetal distress in the second stage of labour, avoiding the supine position.