Fetal electrocardiogram waveform analysis in labour.

The fetal electrocardiogram recorded during labour has so far been used for heart rate recording only. Extensive experimental, bioengineering and clinical research for more than 25 years on changes in the morphology of the electrocardiogram have provided more detailed information on fetal reactions to the stress and strain of labour. ST waveform analysis has been shown to provide new parameters that have the ability to monitor intrapartum hypoxia, thereby not only reducing the risk of the baby being born with hypoxia, but also significantly reducing the number of operative interventions.