PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR ANTEPARTUM FETAL SURVEILLANCE

Antepartum fetal assessment is used in pregnancies at high risk for pe rinatal morbidity and mortality. Current testing options include the f etal movement count, the nonstress test, the contraction stress test a nd the biophysical profile. Vibroacoustic stimulation is a useful adju nctive procedure. All of these modalities have limitations. A strict p rotocol for antepartum fetal surveillance that is applicable to all pa tients is not possible. However, a testing approach based on general p rinciples and guidelines can be followed.