[Computer analysis of fetal heart rate by the Sonicaid Oxford 8002 System during pregnancy and labor. Personal experience and report of the literature].

Computer analysis of the fetal heart rate (FHR) was first described at Oxford University by the late Professor Dawes and by Redman for the prenatal surveillance of high risk pregnancies. We present our experience with this technique applied to the management of induced prematurity under 32 weeks' gestation in a tertiary perinatal center, by comparing our perinatal results with the preceding period of visual analysis of the FHR. Our analysis of the literature reports the results obtained with this technique in various high risk pregnancies and describes the modifications of computerised cardiotocography consecutive to obstetrical maneuvers or diverse maternal drug administrations. Finally we report our preliminary experience with the recently available Sonicaid Team IP System recommended for fetal monitoring during labor.