Cardiotocograph interpretation: Essential knowledge for paediatricians

- Interpretation of the fetal heart rate is part of the essential information required by the paediatrician when called to the delivery room. - Accelerations and normal baseline variability are indicative of fetal health. - Hypoxia and acidosis may develop quickly in the presence of an abnormal trace with scanty thick meconium, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine infection, prematurity and post-term gestation. - Consideration of the overall clinical picture and the cardiotocograph provides necessary information to ensure optimal management of the labour.