A qualitative dynamical model for cardiotocography simulation

The purpose of this work is to present a new mathematical model for fetal monitoring simulation. It involves the simultaneous generation of fetal heart rate and maternal uterine contraction signals through a parametrical model. This model allows the generation of the main fetal monitoring dynamics including fetal movements, acceleration and deceleration of the heart rate and the dynamical adjustment of fetal heart rate following an uterine contraction. Simulated tracings were analyzed by specialists and evaluated in terms of signal realism and dynamics. Results show no significant differences between real and computer-generated signals.