A comparison of non-stressed cardiotocographs in normal preterm and term pregnancy

Summary

A prospective cardiotocographic study was performed on fetuses between 28 and 34 weeks gestational age and considered to be at low risk clinically. The findings were compared with data obtained from a group of mature fetuses also assigned to the low risk category. In the study group, the normal preterm cardiotocographs resembled the tracings obtained from mature fetuses. Significantly lower values in the frequency of major acceleratory episodes and in the acceleration area were observed in the preterm patients In addition, when subjected to a routine clinical assessment, 18 per cent of the preterm recordings displayed features which, under other circumstances, might have suggested fetal compromise.