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Antepartum Cardiotocography (CTG) is one of the few
techniques available today to assess fetal conditions in high
risk pregnancies. Visual interpretation of CTG traces has been
shown to be unreliable. In order to eliminate observer
variability and to increase the accuracy of CTG, computer
analysis of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns was introduced. The
experience with computerized systems has shown that the best
indicator of fetal conditions is long- or short-term variation.
The availability of numerical measurements enables the detection
of small changes in FHR occurring in time, so when initial
deterioration signs arise, the single fetus can be followed up
longitudinally. These fetal heart rate signals and uterine
activity signals had been collected and used to establish a
fetal heart rate analysis and interpretation system using
discrete wavelet transform. We applied the system established to
clinical use. Feedback information is collected and used to
improve the system performance. Besides,the uterine activity
signal is also taken into consideration. Using the signal, we
expect this system can provide an objective suggestion and a
more reliable assessment of at risk fetuses and for the
interpretation of FHR patterns.
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