There is disclosed herein a bipolar fetal monitoring electrode having an electrode body, a spiral electrode terminating in a point for engaging with fetal scalp, and a reference electrode insulated from the spiral electrode. The end of the electrode from which the spiral extends includes one or more protrusions in the form of points, ramps, ribs or the like to increase the resistance of the spiral from unwinding from the fetal scalp to which it is attached and thus to help prevent the spiral from unwinding spontaneously.