• A M Gülmezoglu and G J Hofmeyr.
• Special Department of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank, World Health Organisation, Geneva 27, Switzerland, CH-1211. gulmezoglum@who.ch
• Cochrane Db Syst Rev. 2000 Jan 1; 2003 (2): CD000137CD000137.

BackgroundFetal hypoxaemia is often a feature of fetal growth impairment. It has been suggested that perinatal outcome after suspected impaired fetal growth might be improved by giving mothers continuous oxygen until delivery.ObjectivesThe objective was to assess the effects of maternal oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome.Search StrategyWe searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.Selection CriteriaAcceptably controlled trials comparing maternal oxygen therapy with no oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth.Data Collection And AnalysisEligibility and trial quality was assessed.Main ResultsTwo studies involving 62 women were included. Oxygenation compared with no oxygenation was associated with a lower perinatal mortality rate (relative risk 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.78). However higher gestational age in the oxygenation groups may have accounted for the difference in mortality rates.Reviewer's ConclusionsThere is not enough evidence to evaluate the benefits and risks of maternal oxygen therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth.

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