[A suggestion for the evaluation of the antepartal cardiotocogram (author's transl)].

An evaluation scale for the antepartal cardiotocogram is suggested which is intentionally based on the Apgar scale. Five criteria were evaluated: three characteristics of the basal fetal heart rate and two characteristic, recognized alterations in heart rate. In regard to the interpretation of the basal heart rate, level, range and number of flat readings per minute are significant for the prognosis. Alterations in heart rate permit a prognostic statement depending on the form and type of the acceleration and deceleration 0-2 points are given for every characteristic so that the index can vary from 0 to 10 points. The condition of the fetus is physiologic when the index is between 8-10, the prognosis is questionable when the index is between 5 and 7 and the condition of the fetus is critical when it is 4 or lower.