The spectrum of the fetal phonocardiogram as an indicator of fetal maturity

Abstract

On the basis of these experimental results we believe that analysis of the spectrum - a passive measuring technique - may be a real alternative to such well-known active measurements as ultrasonic imaging in the determination of fetal maturity. Besides the information on physical dimensions, it also contains data on the function and the strength of the heart muscle. We must, of course, also consider possible disturbing influences such as changing cardiovascular conditions (e.g. the heart rate). So far we have found no such effects. It should be mentioned that the PCGs have always been picked up at the basal heart rate with no labour activity and not during acclerations nor decelerations. At the present time we are investigating the reliability of this method, and its applicability to routine examinations.