Fetal Electrocardiography

Abstract

This study in fetal electrocardiography was undertaken to evaluate the clinical accuracy of a simple, inexpensive preamplifier and a standard electrocardiograph. Two hundred and fifty-four patients were studied. These were divided into three groups. In group 1, consisting of 200 patients with normal pregnancy, positive fetal electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded in 179 (89.5%), including one set of clinically unsuspected twins. In group 2, of ten patients in normal active labor, positive tracings were obtained in all ten between uterine contractions and in nine during contractions as well. Group 3 consisted of 44 diagnostic problem patients (suspected fetal death, twin pregnancy, pseudocyesis, hydatid mole, and arrhythmia); fetal electrocardiography established a correct diagnosis in 42 cases (95%).