Table 1 Definition of FHR patterns

Abnormal FHR pattern on admission

 (i) Persistent non-reassuring group

  Fetuses with non-reassuring FHRs usually have a decreased baseline variability at admission for delivery, and this pattern persists until delivery

 (ii) Persistent bradycardia

  Fetuses with bradycardia or persistent severe decelerations with loss of variability from the beginning of FHR tracing at admission for delivery and no recovery until delivery

Normal FHR pattern on admission

 (iii) Hon Pattern Group

  Fetuses with a normal FHR pattern at admission for delivery. Consequently, there were recurrent severe decelerations (especially variable deceleration) with or without increased baseline heart rate and decreased baseline variability. Finally, prolonged terminal deceleration or bradycardia occurred before delivery

 (iv) Reassuring-prolonged deceleration (PD) group

  Fetuses had a normal FHR pattern at admission for delivery; however, acute severe PD or bradycardia occurred before delivery

 (v) Persistent reassuring group

  Fetuses with a normal FHR range during the entire course