Computer assessed fetal heart rate patterns and fetal scalp pH. A preliminary study.

From the beginning of biophysical and biochemical monitoring of the fetus during labor, a continuing attempt has been made to determine if a reliable correlation exists between these measurements and the well-being of the fetus. If such a correlation did indeed exist, the combined use of the two approaches would permit efficient, relatively simple fetal monitoring. This preliminary report describes the use of computer processed fetal heart rate patterns to predict fetal scalp blood pH. Initial results show a 90% overall accuracy in predictions; when corrected for some of the bias of retrospective predictions, the accuracy is 91% for high pH and 72% for low pH.