In which circumstance is the use of fetal scalp electrodes contraindicated?

The use of fetal scalp electrodes is contraindicated in the presence of maternal infection due to the risk of transmitting pathogens to the fetus. Fetal scalp electrodes require the placement of an electrode directly onto the fetal scalp through the cervix, which can potentially introduce bacteria into the intrauterine environment. If a maternal infection is present, such as chorioamnionitis, the possibility of further complications increases. Therefore, to safeguard both maternal and fetal health, monitoring methods that do not involve invasive techniques, like scalp electrodes, are preferred in such scenarios.

In contrast, conditions like the first stage of labor, fetal tachycardia, and normal placental placement do not inherently pose the same level of risk for infection and may allow for the use of scalp electrodes, provided other clinical indicators suggest their appropriateness.