A study of fetal heart rate acceleration patterns.

Fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations have never been fully investigated. These accelerations are responses of the healthy fetus to various stimuli and stresses. Observations and proper evaluation of FHR acceleration patterns will give reassurance of fetal well-being. The fetal activity acceleration acceleration determination (FAD) is a method of antepartum evaluation of fetal well-being. The FAD can be used where the oxytocin challenge test is contraindicated. The physiologic bases of FHR accelerations are discussed. An attempt has been made to classify the FHR acceleration patterns.