Fetal Heart Rate Variability

Non-invasive Fetal Electrocardiography (NI-FECG); Repeatability of Time-domain and Spectral Analyses

Need statement

- a new way to distinguish between a healthy small fetus and a small fetus suffering from deprivation of nutrition and oxygen to prevent unnecessary induction of preterm birth and improve neonatal outcome.

Aim - to characterize fetal heart rate variability (fHRV) based on fetal ECG in the normal fetus and in the fetus suffering from growth retardation to evaluate its value and applicability as a supplementary tool in fetal surveillance.

Aim of current study

- To evaluate the feasibility of NI-FECG from gestational week 20 and onwards and investigate if important factors as length and heart rate pattern affects repeatability of time domain and spectral analyses in fetuses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy singleton pregnancies

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fetal malformations, multiple pregnancy, obstetric complications, maternal chronic disease and labor.