Coping with limitations of Doppler ultrasound fetal heart rate monitors

The most common noninvasive method of measuring fetal heart rate (FHR) utilizes pulsed Doppler ultrasound monitors. Linked both to the analog channel and the digital signal processing from today's monitors, different factors influencing the quality of FHR trace are presented. The computerized analysis of acquired FHR signal should minimize the influence of limitations of the indirect measurement method. The proposed error handling procedures applied in the KOMPOR system enable satisfactory identification of typical errors.