Midwives' smartphones may help monitor laboring moms safely

This study looks at whether using a smartphone to remotely monitor a mother's oxygen levels, breathing, and heart rate during labor is safe when she receives remifentanil for pain. Currently, a midwife must stay in the room at all times due to risks of breathing problems. The study will compare 80 mothers who are monitored remotely (allowing the midwife to leave for up to 10 minutes) with those who have constant in-person monitoring. The goal is to see if remote monitoring can free up staff without increasing risks.