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Maternal pulse mistaken for fetal

G1P0, 31 years old39+2 weeks, active labourExternal transducer; epidural in situ

Maternal pulse 95 bpm. Recent change in trace pattern noted by midwife.

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Clinical picture

Toco pads can pick up the maternal pulse, especially when the fetus has moved or with maternal habitus. The trace can look reassuring but represent the wrong heart.