Cardiotocography Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(2):096-103
, , , , This comprehensive review compares clinical protocols of important entities regarding the management of fetal growth restriction (FGR), published since 2015. Five protocols were chosen for data extraction. There were no relevant differences regarding the diagnosis and classification of FGR between the protocols. In general, all protocols suggest that the assessment of fetal vitality must be performed in a multimodally, associating biophysical parameters (such as cardiotocography and fetal biophysical profile) with the Doppler velocimetry parameters of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus. All protocols reinforce that the more severe the fetal condition, the more frequent this assessment should be made. The timely gestational age and mode of delivery to terminate the pregnancy in these cases can vary much between the protocols. Therefore, this paper presents, in a didactic way, the particularities of different protocols for monitoring FGR, in order to help obstetricians to better manage the cases.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(2):096-103
, , , , This comprehensive review compares clinical protocols of important entities regarding the management of fetal growth restriction (FGR), published since 2015. Five protocols were chosen for data extraction. There were no relevant differences regarding the diagnosis and classification of FGR between the protocols. In general, all protocols suggest that the assessment of fetal vitality must be performed in a multimodally, associating biophysical parameters (such as cardiotocography and fetal biophysical profile) with the Doppler velocimetry parameters of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus. All protocols reinforce that the more severe the fetal condition, the more frequent this assessment should be made. The timely gestational age and mode of delivery to terminate the pregnancy in these cases can vary much between the protocols. Therefore, this paper presents, in a didactic way, the particularities of different protocols for monitoring FGR, in order to help obstetricians to better manage the cases.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2019;41(9):531-538
To determine the effect of treadmill walking on maternal heart rate (MHR) and cardiotocographic parameters (basal fetal heart rate [FHR], active fetal movements [AFM], number of accelerations and decelerations, and short-term variation [STV] and long-term variation [LTV] of fetal heart rate) in pregnant women at 36 weeks.
A nonrandomized, open clinical trial involving 88 healthy pregnant women submitted to moderate intensity walking and computed cardiotocography in 3 20- minute periods (resting, treadmill walking, and postexercise recovery).
The mean FHR decreased during walking (resting: 137 bpm; treadmill: 98 bpm; recovery: 140 bpm; p<0.001), with bradycardia occurring in 56% of the fetuses in the first 10minutes of exercise, and in 47% after 20minutes. Bradycardia was not detected in the other phases. The mean STV and HV were 7.9, 17.0, and 8.0 milliseconds (p<0.001) and 7.6, 10.8 and 7.6 bpm (p=0.002) in the resting, walking and recovery phases, respectively. Themean number of fetalmovements in 1 hour was 29.9, 22.2 and 45.5, respectively, in the 3 periods (p<0.001). In overweight/obese women, the mean FHR was lower (p=0.02). Following the logistic regression analysis, two variables remained significantly associated with bradycardia: maternal fitness in the 28th week of pregnancy (protective effect) and maternal weight (increased risk).
In healthy fetuses, physical exercise proved to be safe, since, although FHR and AFM decreased during treadmill walking, an increase in SVT and LTV was observed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2019;41(9):531-538
To determine the effect of treadmill walking on maternal heart rate (MHR) and cardiotocographic parameters (basal fetal heart rate [FHR], active fetal movements [AFM], number of accelerations and decelerations, and short-term variation [STV] and long-term variation [LTV] of fetal heart rate) in pregnant women at 36 weeks.
A nonrandomized, open clinical trial involving 88 healthy pregnant women submitted to moderate intensity walking and computed cardiotocography in 3 20- minute periods (resting, treadmill walking, and postexercise recovery).
The mean FHR decreased during walking (resting: 137 bpm; treadmill: 98 bpm; recovery: 140 bpm; p<0.001), with bradycardia occurring in 56% of the fetuses in the first 10minutes of exercise, and in 47% after 20minutes. Bradycardia was not detected in the other phases. The mean STV and HV were 7.9, 17.0, and 8.0 milliseconds (p<0.001) and 7.6, 10.8 and 7.6 bpm (p=0.002) in the resting, walking and recovery phases, respectively. Themean number of fetalmovements in 1 hour was 29.9, 22.2 and 45.5, respectively, in the 3 periods (p<0.001). In overweight/obese women, the mean FHR was lower (p=0.02). Following the logistic regression analysis, two variables remained significantly associated with bradycardia: maternal fitness in the 28th week of pregnancy (protective effect) and maternal weight (increased risk).
In healthy fetuses, physical exercise proved to be safe, since, although FHR and AFM decreased during treadmill walking, an increase in SVT and LTV was observed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):420-425
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900002
PURPOSE: to compare the patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: a prospective and comparative study performed between January 2008 and July 2009. The inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancy, live fetus, pregnant women without clinical or obstetrical complications, no fetal malformation, gestational age between 24 and 27 weeks (2nd trimester - 2T) or between 36 and 40 weeks (3rd trimester - 3T). Computerized cardiotocography (System 8002 - Sonicaid) was performed for 30 minutes and the fetal biophysical profile was obtained. System 8002 analyzes the FHR tracings for periods of 3.75 seconds (1/16 minutes). During each period, the mean duration of the time intervals between successive fetal heart beats is determined in milliseconds (ms); the mean FHR and also the differences between adjacent periods are calculated for each period. The parameters included: basal FHR, FHR accelerations, duration of high variation episodes, duration of low variation episodes and short-term variation. The dataset was analyzed by the Student t test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: eighteen pregnancies on the second trimester were compared to 25 pregnancies on the third trimester. There was a significant difference in the FHR parameters evaluated by computerized cardiotocography between the 2T and 3T groups, regarding the following results: mean basal FHR (mean, 143.8 bpm versus 134.0 bpm, p=0.009), mean number of transitory FHR accelerations > 10 bpm (3.7 bpm versus 8.4 bpm, p <0.001) and >15 bpm (mean, 0.9 bpm versus 5.4 bpm, p <0.001), mean duration of high variation episodes (8.4 min versus 15.4 min, p=0.008) and mean short - term variation (8.0 ms versus 10.9 ms, p=0.01). The fetal biophysical profile showed normal results in all pregnancies. CONCLUSION: the present study shows significant differences in the FHR characteristics when the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy are compared and confirms the influence of autonomic nervous system maturation on FHR regulation.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):420-425
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900002
PURPOSE: to compare the patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: a prospective and comparative study performed between January 2008 and July 2009. The inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancy, live fetus, pregnant women without clinical or obstetrical complications, no fetal malformation, gestational age between 24 and 27 weeks (2nd trimester - 2T) or between 36 and 40 weeks (3rd trimester - 3T). Computerized cardiotocography (System 8002 - Sonicaid) was performed for 30 minutes and the fetal biophysical profile was obtained. System 8002 analyzes the FHR tracings for periods of 3.75 seconds (1/16 minutes). During each period, the mean duration of the time intervals between successive fetal heart beats is determined in milliseconds (ms); the mean FHR and also the differences between adjacent periods are calculated for each period. The parameters included: basal FHR, FHR accelerations, duration of high variation episodes, duration of low variation episodes and short-term variation. The dataset was analyzed by the Student t test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: eighteen pregnancies on the second trimester were compared to 25 pregnancies on the third trimester. There was a significant difference in the FHR parameters evaluated by computerized cardiotocography between the 2T and 3T groups, regarding the following results: mean basal FHR (mean, 143.8 bpm versus 134.0 bpm, p=0.009), mean number of transitory FHR accelerations > 10 bpm (3.7 bpm versus 8.4 bpm, p <0.001) and >15 bpm (mean, 0.9 bpm versus 5.4 bpm, p <0.001), mean duration of high variation episodes (8.4 min versus 15.4 min, p=0.008) and mean short - term variation (8.0 ms versus 10.9 ms, p=0.01). The fetal biophysical profile showed normal results in all pregnancies. CONCLUSION: the present study shows significant differences in the FHR characteristics when the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy are compared and confirms the influence of autonomic nervous system maturation on FHR regulation.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(12):615-620
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009001200007
PURPOSES: to evaluate the influence of maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) and in the fetal biophysical profile (FBP) in term gestations. METHODS: pregnant women with anemia (Hb<11.0 g/dL) were prospectively evaluated between the 36th and the 40th week of gestation, from January 2008 to March 2009. The Control Group was composed of term and healthy pregnant women, with normal values of hemoglobin (Hb>11,0 g/dL). Cases of anomalies or fetal growing restrictions were excluded. The FHR evaluation was performed by computerized cardiotocography (8002 System-Sonicaid), and by record analysis during 30 minutes of exam. The FBP was done in all the patients. Student's, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests were used, with 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The average of maternal Hb in the group with anemia (n=18) was 9.4 g/dL (DP=1.4 g/dL), and in the control group, 12.4g/dL (DP=1.3 g/dL). There has been no significant mean differences between groups concerning the cardiotocography parameters, respectively: basal FHR(131.3 versus 133.7 bpm, p=0.5), FHR accelerations > 10b pm (7.9 versus 8.2, p=0.866), FHR accelerations > 15 bpm (5.2 versus. 5.4, p=0.9), episodes of high variation of the FHR (17.1 versus 15.5 min, p=0,5), episodes of variation of the FHR (4.4 versus 3.6 min, p=06), and short term variation (10.5 versus 10.9 ms, p=0.5). In both groups, all patients presented normal FBP. CONCLUSIONS: this study suggests that light or moderate maternal anemia, without other maternal or fetal comorbidity, is not associated with abnormalities in the parameters of fetal biophysical profile and of the FHR analyzed by computerized cardiotocography.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(12):615-620
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009001200007
PURPOSES: to evaluate the influence of maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) and in the fetal biophysical profile (FBP) in term gestations. METHODS: pregnant women with anemia (Hb<11.0 g/dL) were prospectively evaluated between the 36th and the 40th week of gestation, from January 2008 to March 2009. The Control Group was composed of term and healthy pregnant women, with normal values of hemoglobin (Hb>11,0 g/dL). Cases of anomalies or fetal growing restrictions were excluded. The FHR evaluation was performed by computerized cardiotocography (8002 System-Sonicaid), and by record analysis during 30 minutes of exam. The FBP was done in all the patients. Student's, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests were used, with 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The average of maternal Hb in the group with anemia (n=18) was 9.4 g/dL (DP=1.4 g/dL), and in the control group, 12.4g/dL (DP=1.3 g/dL). There has been no significant mean differences between groups concerning the cardiotocography parameters, respectively: basal FHR(131.3 versus 133.7 bpm, p=0.5), FHR accelerations > 10b pm (7.9 versus 8.2, p=0.866), FHR accelerations > 15 bpm (5.2 versus. 5.4, p=0.9), episodes of high variation of the FHR (17.1 versus 15.5 min, p=0,5), episodes of variation of the FHR (4.4 versus 3.6 min, p=06), and short term variation (10.5 versus 10.9 ms, p=0.5). In both groups, all patients presented normal FBP. CONCLUSIONS: this study suggests that light or moderate maternal anemia, without other maternal or fetal comorbidity, is not associated with abnormalities in the parameters of fetal biophysical profile and of the FHR analyzed by computerized cardiotocography.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(11):547-551
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009001100004
PURPOSE: to study the effect of acoustic stimulation in the fetal cardiac response, according to parameters from computerized cardiotocography in low risk pregnancies. METHODS: twenty low risk pregnant women were included in the study, according to the following criteria: age over 18; single gestation, living fetus; gestational age between 36 and 40 weeks; amniotic liquid index over 8.0 cm and absence of fetal malformation. Cases with post-natal diagnosis of fetal anomaly were excluded. Computerized cardiotocography was performed for 20 minutes, before and after fetal acoustic stimulation. Results were analyzed by the t test for dependent samples, with significance level at p<0.05. RESULTS: acoustic stimulation was successfully performed in all cases analyzed. By the analysis of the cardiotocographic parameters, there was no significant difference when the pre and post-stimulation parameters were compared: average number of fetal movements per hour (55.6 versus 71.9, p=0.1); mean basal fetal heart rate (FHR) (135.2 versus 137.5 bpm, p=0.3); mean FHR increases>10 bpm (6.5 versus 6.8, p=0.7); mean FHR increases>15 bpm (3.8 versus 4.3, p=0.5); mean duration of high FHR variation episodes (11.4 versus 10.9 min, p=0.7); mean duration of low FHR variation episodes (2.5 versus 1.1 min, p=0.2), and mean short-term variation (10.6 versus 10.9 ms, p=0.6). CONCLUSIONS: in low risk gestations at term, computerized cardiotocography has not evidenced differences in the FHR parameters after the fetal sonic stimulation.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(11):547-551
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009001100004
PURPOSE: to study the effect of acoustic stimulation in the fetal cardiac response, according to parameters from computerized cardiotocography in low risk pregnancies. METHODS: twenty low risk pregnant women were included in the study, according to the following criteria: age over 18; single gestation, living fetus; gestational age between 36 and 40 weeks; amniotic liquid index over 8.0 cm and absence of fetal malformation. Cases with post-natal diagnosis of fetal anomaly were excluded. Computerized cardiotocography was performed for 20 minutes, before and after fetal acoustic stimulation. Results were analyzed by the t test for dependent samples, with significance level at p<0.05. RESULTS: acoustic stimulation was successfully performed in all cases analyzed. By the analysis of the cardiotocographic parameters, there was no significant difference when the pre and post-stimulation parameters were compared: average number of fetal movements per hour (55.6 versus 71.9, p=0.1); mean basal fetal heart rate (FHR) (135.2 versus 137.5 bpm, p=0.3); mean FHR increases>10 bpm (6.5 versus 6.8, p=0.7); mean FHR increases>15 bpm (3.8 versus 4.3, p=0.5); mean duration of high FHR variation episodes (11.4 versus 10.9 min, p=0.7); mean duration of low FHR variation episodes (2.5 versus 1.1 min, p=0.2), and mean short-term variation (10.6 versus 10.9 ms, p=0.6). CONCLUSIONS: in low risk gestations at term, computerized cardiotocography has not evidenced differences in the FHR parameters after the fetal sonic stimulation.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(12):712-718
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001200002
PURPOSE: to verify the fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in pregnancies at term complicated by pregestational diabetes. METHODS: fetal surveillance was performed weekly in 64 fetuses of mothers with pregestational diabetes. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of pregestational diabetes mellitus, single pregnancy, alive fetus, absence of fetal anomalies, and computerized cardiotocography performed at the 37th week of gestation. Exclusion criteria included: postnatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies and delivery not performed at the local hospital. The FHR patterns were studied with computerized cardiotocography and the parameters were analyzed according to a fetal weight as LGA (birth weight above percentile 90). The cardiotocography parameters included: basal FHR, episodes of high variation, episodes of low variation, and short-term variation. RESULTS: forty-two patients fulfilled the proposed criteria. Ten (23.8%) newborns were LGA. Normal criteria were met in all performed examinations. FHR accelerations (above 15 bpm) were present in 7 (70%) LGA cases and in 29 (90.6%) non-LGA (p=0.135). Accelerations were more frequent in the non-LGA group (1.5±1.3 accelerations/10 min) when compared to LGA group (0.8±0.9 accelerations/10min, p=0.04, Mann-Whitney test). The high variation episodes were detected in all cases. The mean FHR variation in these episodes was different in the LGA group (16.2±2.5 bpm) when compared to the non-LGA group (19.7±4.2 bpm, p=0.02, Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: the FHR patterns of non-LGA (higher frequency of accelerations and higher FHR variation in the high variation episodes) reflect parameters commonly analyzed by traditional cardiotocography of a healthy fetus. This fact appears to confirm the patterns of better oxygen supply to the fetuses less compromised by diabetes in pregnancy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(12):712-718
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001200002
PURPOSE: to verify the fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in pregnancies at term complicated by pregestational diabetes. METHODS: fetal surveillance was performed weekly in 64 fetuses of mothers with pregestational diabetes. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of pregestational diabetes mellitus, single pregnancy, alive fetus, absence of fetal anomalies, and computerized cardiotocography performed at the 37th week of gestation. Exclusion criteria included: postnatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies and delivery not performed at the local hospital. The FHR patterns were studied with computerized cardiotocography and the parameters were analyzed according to a fetal weight as LGA (birth weight above percentile 90). The cardiotocography parameters included: basal FHR, episodes of high variation, episodes of low variation, and short-term variation. RESULTS: forty-two patients fulfilled the proposed criteria. Ten (23.8%) newborns were LGA. Normal criteria were met in all performed examinations. FHR accelerations (above 15 bpm) were present in 7 (70%) LGA cases and in 29 (90.6%) non-LGA (p=0.135). Accelerations were more frequent in the non-LGA group (1.5±1.3 accelerations/10 min) when compared to LGA group (0.8±0.9 accelerations/10min, p=0.04, Mann-Whitney test). The high variation episodes were detected in all cases. The mean FHR variation in these episodes was different in the LGA group (16.2±2.5 bpm) when compared to the non-LGA group (19.7±4.2 bpm, p=0.02, Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: the FHR patterns of non-LGA (higher frequency of accelerations and higher FHR variation in the high variation episodes) reflect parameters commonly analyzed by traditional cardiotocography of a healthy fetus. This fact appears to confirm the patterns of better oxygen supply to the fetuses less compromised by diabetes in pregnancy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(9):557-566
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000900004
Purpose: to study the fetal well-being assessment in pregnancies complicated by diabetes, and to analyze the neonatal results. Methods: we studied 387 pregnant women with diabetes at the Fetal Surveillance Unit. The last examination (cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and dopplervelocimetry) was correlated with the neonatal outcome. Results: the studied population included 46 (12%) type I diabetes, 45 (12%) type II and 296 (76%) gestational diabetes. Type I diabetes with abnormal or suspected cardiotocography was related to abnormal 1st minute Apgar (50 and 75%, p<0.05) and to the need for neonatal intensive care unit (50 and 75%, p<0.05). The abnormal biophysical profile in type II diabetic pregnancy was related to the need for neonatal intensive care (67%, p<0.05), and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler study was related to abnormal 1st minute Apgar (67%, p<0.05). Gestational diabetes with abnormal cardiotocography presented 36% abnormal 1st minute Apgar (p<0.05), 18% abnormal 5th minute Apgar (p<0.01) and 18% neonatal death (p<0.01). Abnormal amniotic fluid index was related to abnormal 5th minute Apgar (p<0.05) and need for neonatal intensive care unit (p<0.05). Gestational diabetes with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler was related (p<0.05) to: abnormal 1st and 5th minute Apgar, respectively, 25 and 8%, Need for neonatal intensive care in 17% and neonatal death in 8%. Conclusions: the fetal well-being examinations correlated with adverse perinatal outcome, showing the need for fetal surveillance in diabetic pregnant women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(9):557-566
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000900004
Purpose: to study the fetal well-being assessment in pregnancies complicated by diabetes, and to analyze the neonatal results. Methods: we studied 387 pregnant women with diabetes at the Fetal Surveillance Unit. The last examination (cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and dopplervelocimetry) was correlated with the neonatal outcome. Results: the studied population included 46 (12%) type I diabetes, 45 (12%) type II and 296 (76%) gestational diabetes. Type I diabetes with abnormal or suspected cardiotocography was related to abnormal 1st minute Apgar (50 and 75%, p<0.05) and to the need for neonatal intensive care unit (50 and 75%, p<0.05). The abnormal biophysical profile in type II diabetic pregnancy was related to the need for neonatal intensive care (67%, p<0.05), and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler study was related to abnormal 1st minute Apgar (67%, p<0.05). Gestational diabetes with abnormal cardiotocography presented 36% abnormal 1st minute Apgar (p<0.05), 18% abnormal 5th minute Apgar (p<0.01) and 18% neonatal death (p<0.01). Abnormal amniotic fluid index was related to abnormal 5th minute Apgar (p<0.05) and need for neonatal intensive care unit (p<0.05). Gestational diabetes with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler was related (p<0.05) to: abnormal 1st and 5th minute Apgar, respectively, 25 and 8%, Need for neonatal intensive care in 17% and neonatal death in 8%. Conclusions: the fetal well-being examinations correlated with adverse perinatal outcome, showing the need for fetal surveillance in diabetic pregnant women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(8):503-510
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000800006
Purpose: to analyze the relationship between the values of pH at birth, fetal surveillance examinatios and neonatal results. Methods: one thousand, three hundred and forty-six high-risk pregnancies were evaluated at the Fetal Surveillance Unit. The assessment of fetal well-being included cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile and amniotic fluid index. After birth, the perinatal results (gestational age at birth, birth weight, Apgar scores at 1st and 5th minutes, umbilical cord pH at birth) were collected. To study the results, the patients were divided into four groups: G1 (pH <7.05), G2 (pH between 7.05 and 7.14), G3 (pH between 7.15 and 7.19) and G4 (pH > or = 7.20). Results: the abnormal patterns of cardiotocography were associated with pH at birth inferior to 7.20 (p = 0.001). Abnormal results of the fetal biophysical profile (<=4) were related to decrease in pH values at birth (p<0.001). The adverse neonatal outcomes were associated with acidosis at birth, and they were selected to be analyzed by the logistic regression model, showing that the odds ratio of each adverse neonatal outcome increases significantly when the values of pH at birth decrease. Conclusions: significant correlation was found between the values of pH at birth and adverse neonatal results, providing the possibility to estimate the risk of neonatal complications according to the pH values at birth.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(8):503-510
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000800006
Purpose: to analyze the relationship between the values of pH at birth, fetal surveillance examinatios and neonatal results. Methods: one thousand, three hundred and forty-six high-risk pregnancies were evaluated at the Fetal Surveillance Unit. The assessment of fetal well-being included cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile and amniotic fluid index. After birth, the perinatal results (gestational age at birth, birth weight, Apgar scores at 1st and 5th minutes, umbilical cord pH at birth) were collected. To study the results, the patients were divided into four groups: G1 (pH <7.05), G2 (pH between 7.05 and 7.14), G3 (pH between 7.15 and 7.19) and G4 (pH > or = 7.20). Results: the abnormal patterns of cardiotocography were associated with pH at birth inferior to 7.20 (p = 0.001). Abnormal results of the fetal biophysical profile (<=4) were related to decrease in pH values at birth (p<0.001). The adverse neonatal outcomes were associated with acidosis at birth, and they were selected to be analyzed by the logistic regression model, showing that the odds ratio of each adverse neonatal outcome increases significantly when the values of pH at birth decrease. Conclusions: significant correlation was found between the values of pH at birth and adverse neonatal results, providing the possibility to estimate the risk of neonatal complications according to the pH values at birth.
