Fetal Heart Rate Patterns

Abstract

A prediction system based on continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate (FHR) and intrauterine pressure within the last 30 minutes of labor has been used to predict the Apgar score of 307 neonates. No clinical information was utilized for the prediction. The normal FHR pattern was almost completely accurate in predicting a baby with a high Apgar score at five minutes. Only two falsely high predictions were made, both in anomalous infants. With these exceptions, every depressed neonate was anticipated on the basis of an abnormal FHR pattern. Abnormal FHR patterns, however, were conservative predictors of low Apgar scores. It is anticipated that the accuracy of low predictions may be improved with modifications in the prediction system.