Antepartum fetal surveillance. ACOG Technical Bulletin Number 188--January 1994

Abstract

A reassuring test result is the usual finding of antepartum tests for fetal well-being. It generally justifies a policy of nonintervention in the management of a high-risk pregnancy, barring significant deterioration in maternal condition. A recent normal test result should not preclude the use of intrapartum monitoring, however. Even with persistently reassuring tests, perinatal death may still occur. Each patient should be informed that such an unfortunate outcome is generally caused by factors that are not predictable by current tests.