Observations on fetal heart rate and fetal biochemistry: I. Base deficit

Abstract

One hundred thirty-nine fetuses were studied during labor by continuous FHR monitoring and uterine contraction recording. Five hundred and ninety-one fetal base deficit samples were obtained. The fetal base deficit values were correlated with the FHR patterns present during the 30 minutes immediately preceding the sampling time. Correlations were established between specific FHR patterns and fetal base deficit levels: (a) normal FHR and early deceleration had low fetal base deficit values; (b) mild and moderate variable deceleration and mild late deceleration were associated with an increase in fetal base deficit; (c) severe variable, moderate, and severe late deceleration patterns were associated with more pronounced increases in fetal base deficit.