[Acceleration test of fetal cardiac rhythm. Its use in monitoring prolonged pregnancies. Comparison with the ocytocin test].

The purpose of the study was assessment of the clinical usefulness of the fetal acceleration test (FAT) for a preliminary evaluation of the state of the fetus in post-term pregnancy and the possibility of replacing the time-consuming and, sometimes, aggressive contraction stress test (CST) with FAT. The investigation was carried out on 151 pregnant outpatients subjected to 302 tests. In 118 cases the indication for tocographic monitoring was relative pregnancy prolongation. All patients had both tests done at the same time, FAT by the method of Lee and CST by the method of Ray. The tests were repeated at intervals of 5-7 days until labour. A high correlation was demonstrated between both tests (91%): and they were found to be highly useful for monitoring post-term pregnancy. FAT performed in outpatients makes it possible to avoid hospitalization without risk in many cases. A negative or doubtful result of FAT should be an indication to performing CST or for hospitalization. The results of the tests enable the condition of the fetus to be predicted for the following 5-7 days. They are, however, insufficient for drawing conclusions as to the course of labour and the state of the fetus at birth.