Abnormal fetal heart rate associated with congenital abnormalities.

The fetal heart rate (FHR) records obtained from 3140 patients were reviewed. Thirty-seven patients gave birth to an infant with a major congenital abnormality. Fifty-one per cent of this group demonstrated an abnormal FHR in the antepartum or intrapartum period. The Caesarean Section rate was 48 per cent and perinatal mortality was 50 per cent. In patients with an abnormal antepartum FHR record, an underlying congenital abnormality of the fetus should be considered.