A study of fetal acceleration tests.

The fetal acceleration test (FAT) is a means of assessing uteroplacental integrity by observing fetal heart patterns while being stressed by fetal movement. Of 584 tests performed on high-risk obstetric patients, 176 were done within 1 week prior to delivery. Favorable antepartum FAT results correlated with unremarkable initial intrapartum fetal monitor tracings in 128 (97.7 per cent) of 131 cases and also favorable 5 minute Apgar scores (7 to 10) in 128 (97.7 per cent) of 131 cases. An inconclusive FAT correlated with an abnormal OCT or intrapartum monitor tracing in nine of 10 tracings. Two infants with previously abnormal or suspicious FAT, OCT, and intrapartum fetal heart tracings were stillborn. The FAT was also less time-consuming and had fewer complications. These results show the FAT to be an effective clinical test for managing high-risk pregnancies with possible placental insufficiency.