Period domain analysis in fetal pulse oximetry

The photoplethysmographic signals acquired during pulse oximetry can be compromised in many ways. Intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry in particular presents challenges to signal processing. Period domain analysis can overcome the low pulsatile amplitudes, noise, and maternal modulation found in these signals. The efficiency of an incremental algorithm reduces the processing requirements for period domain analysis, facilitating use in low-power and portable devices.