An improved algorithm for foetal heart rate baseline in CTG

A new method for deriving the baseline of the foetal heart rate (FHR) in a cardiotocogram (CTG) signal during labour has been designed. The method uses a three stage progressive thresholding and filtering process. This provides a successive removal of deviations associated with FHR accelerations and decelerations. The method produces a good baseline, even with difficult signals. There are high correlations in baseline and deceleration values with estimations from experienced clinical staff.