Abstract
Assessment of fetal health is an important part of the management of any pregnancy, but it becomes more critical when maternal and fetal complications arise. Understanding the range of normal fetal behavior and considering the clinical context in which testing is performed are important parts of interpreting the results of fetal assessment. Given the wide variability in normal findings, even in the setting of abnormal test results the likelihood of an adverse outcome may be relatively low in a low-risk population. Because the primary intervention available to the obstetrician wishing to facilitate treatment of the mother or the fetus is delivery, indications of potential fetal compromise must be carefully balanced against the complications of prematurity. This chapter explores the physiology, pathophysiology, and components of various fetal testing strategies. The strengths and limitations of information about fetal health that can be gained from these modalities are considered.
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