Effect of uterine contraction and amniotomy on fetal cardiotocograph

Pak J Biol Sci. 2010 Jan 1;13(1):34-9. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2010.34.39.

Abstract

Both uterine contractions and artificial rupture of fetal membranes (amniotomy) are important events during delivery phase, this study was planned to determine possible effects of both events on fetal heart rate using nonstress test method. Sixty term pregnant women admitted for termination of pregnancy were selected. Primary nonstress test was performed, then nonstress test was done after active uterine contractions. After the amniotomy the last test was done. All results were statistically analyzed. Out of 60 term pregnant women, 51 (85%) patients reported acceleration for primary nonstress test. After uterine contractions, acceleration was seen in 46 (76.7%) patients, this happened in 40 (66.7%) cases after amniotomy. There was no deceleration after primary nonstress test. However, deceleration reported after uterine contractions and amniotomy in five (8.3%) and two (3.3%) cases, respectively. The 56 (93.3%) patients showed variability in primary nonstress test; variability following the uterine contractions and amniotomy was seen in 58 (96.7%) and 56 (93.3%) of subjects, respectively. None of them were statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean fetal heart rate baseline in primary Nonstress test was (141.00 +/- 9.35), this was (140.50 +/-10.51) following uterine contractions and (143.08 +/- 11.97) after amniotomy. Baseline fetal heart rate reduction, statistically significant, was seen following uterine contractions (r = +0.28, p = 0.02). This means reductions in lower baseline fetal heart rates will be more outstanding. Uterine contractions and amniotomy had no correlation with presence or absence of variability, acceleration and deceleration.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Amnion / surgery*
  • Cardiotocography*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate, Fetal / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Uterine Contraction / physiology*
  • Young Adult