This is the most commonly used fetal
surveillance test, despite the accepted limitations due to interand
intra-observer variability. In order to overcome this problem,
computer assisted evaluation of CTG has been used.
Assessment of the fetal heart rate variability offers a reliable
assessment of fetal hypoxemia and/or acidemia. It has been
shown that reduced fetal heart rate variability on the computerized
CTG is associated with fetal distress in labor and
acidemia w105x. The observation of a reactive CTG or shortterm
variability )4 ms (computerized CTG) offers good
negative predictive value for SB, except for unpredictable
acute events (e.g., placental abruption or cord accidents).