Electronic Fetal Monitoring: Overview
Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is one of the most scrutinized elements of obstetric care in malpractice litigation and often becomes a focal point.
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It can be central to many alleged Birth Injury and HIE cases.
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Abnormal EFM tracings may sometimes precede urgent delivery in Shoulder Dystocia cases.
Interpretation of fetal heart rate tracings can be highly contextual.
As an actively practicing obstetrician, Dr. Tepper interprets EFM in a high-volume, high-acuity labor and delivery unit.
Why Fetal Monitoring Can Be Central in Obstetric Malpractice Cases
Common allegations may include:
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Failure to recognize non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns and misclassification of EFM tracings
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Failure to respond appropriately (ie delayed cesarean delivery)
In many cases, arguments hinge on whether earlier delivery could have prevented alleged neonatal injury such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
However, fetal monitoring interpretation is rarely black and white. Contextual factors such as labor progress, maternal comorbidities, and timely availability of operative intervention may come into play.
Why Retain Dr. Tepper as a Fetal Monitoring Expert Witness?
He personally performs more than 200 deliveries per year in a busy labor and delivery unit that manages a substantial number of high-risk pregnancies.
This means:
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He interprets fetal heart rate tracings and manages these tracings in real time
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He understands realistic hospital workflow and response times
Dr. Tepper's opinions reflect contemporary obstetric practice.
When retained as a fetal monitoring interpretation expert, he provides:
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Fetal heart tracing review with correlation to clinical events
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Objective assessment of standard of care
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Clear, well-supported written reports
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Confident deposition and trial testimony
Dr. Tepper approaches each case with intellectual honesty and clinical realism. His goal is not advocacy, but accurate analysis grounded in active obstetric practice.