The correlation of maternal and fetal heart rates : an important aspect of CTG interpretation

Abstract

The heart rate is a rather poor indicator of the physiological condition both in the fetus and in the mother. Even such simple measurements as maternal blood pressure recording can provide additional information. However, for an accurate analysis of the feto-maternal coupling at least cardiac output and maternal oxygen saturation should be monitored. Nevertheless, our investigations have shown that for routine use even the MHR provides sufficient information to improve the interpretation of the CTG quite considerably. The correlation analysis of fetal and maternal heart rates facilitates diagnosis, particularly in borderline cases, and may help to prevent misinterpretation of the CTG. Since the provision of an additional MHR channel in perinatal monitors is very simple and inexpensive, future systems should not be without one.