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Contraction Stress Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring at Preterm Gestational Ages
Author(s) -
Thompson Graeme,
Newnham John P.,
Roberman Brian D.,
Burns Sybil E.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1990.tb03239.x
Subject(s) - nonstress test , medicine , fetus , biophysical profile , gestational age , uterine contraction , gestation , obstetrics , pregnancy , fetal heart , contraction (grammar) , heart rate , fetal heart rate , blood pressure , uterus , biology , genetics
Summary: The evaluation of fetal well‐being by fetal heart rate monitoring at preterm gestational ages remains a difficult and important area for investigation. While the nonstress test has achieved widespread usage, a role for the contraction stress test remains uncertain. This study describes the outcome of 113 contraction stress tests which were performed for persistent fetal heart rate nonreactivity in 78 pregnancies of less than 37 completed weeks' gestation. There were no fetal deaths and no obstetric complications which could be attributed to these tests. The finding of a negative contraction stress test provided reassurance which facilitated significant prolongation of pregnancy. Contraction stress tests appear to be a safe and effective method of investigating further the clinical dilemma of persistent fetal heart rate nonreactivity in high risk pregnancies at preterm gestational ages.