Cardiotocograph Trace Pattern Baseline Extraction and Classification

Computerized Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) features extraction and Cardiotocograph (CTG) classification would support obstetricians in CTG analysis and enhance their interpretation. The main objective  of  this  paper  is  to  develop  a  simple reliable algorithm for FHR baseline extraction and systematic FHR baseline classification based on MATLAB rule based functions and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) guideline. An application was developed to extract the baseline of FHR. A classification system using MATLAB was then introduced to classify the type of baseline based on the RCOG guideline. The computerized interpretations of 80 CTG signals were compared with visual interpretation by five obstetricians. The obtained results show slight difference of about + /-2 beats per minutes (b.p.m.). These results a reconsidered promising  for the use of computerized CTG interpretation in the hospital as well as a component homecare facilities for pregnant women.