Intrapartum vibroacoustic stimulation in cases of normal and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns.

The fetal heart rate (FHR) response to a vibroacoustic stimulation was studied in 100 women during active labor. Three types of FHR responses were noted: acceleration, tachycardia of duration longer than 2 min, and combined acceleration-deceleration response. The last type was significantly more common in labors with abnormal FHR tracings. All fetuses demonstrating FHR response to the stimulation, including those with abnormal FHR tracings, had good outcome. The vibroacoustic stimulation is easily performed, noninvasive, and has no contraindications. Its possible application as an intrapartum test of fetal well-being awaits further clinical confirmation.