FETAL HEART-RATE DECELERATIONS DURING A NONSTRESS TEST

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (2) , 228-232
Abstract
In 2000 nonstress tests (NST) on 972 high risk pregnant women 94 exhibited fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations in response to fetal activity in 110 (46.6%) of the 236 NST. The NST results were interpreted as either reactive (178) or nonreactive (58). Of those cases with an FHR deceleration pattern, an abnormal cord position was observed in 55.3% (.chi.2 = 68; P < .001). Of the 74 patients who went into labor, 59.5% demonstrated variable FHR decelerations. Cesarean section was required in 8.5% for fetal distress. Intrauterine fetal deaths [3] occurred that appeared to be related to the abnormal cord position. FHR decelerations may occur during reactive and nonreactive NST. When FHR decelerations are present, they may signify some form of abnormal cord position and require further evaluation by ultrasonography and a contraction stress test.

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