| Abstract: | Umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms were obtained using continuous wave Doppler ultrasound in 85 normal pregnancies (25 antepartum, 60 intrapartum) to examine the relation between fetal heart rate, end systolic/end diastolic ratio (A/B ratio) and resistance index (RI). Our results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between fetal heart rate, A/B ratio and RI (in the antepartum group r = -0.49, and in the labouring group r = -0.65). It is therefore important when performing mathematical analysis of umbilical artery flow velocity profiles to make a statistical allowance for fetal heart rate. |
