Intrauterine fetal arrhythmia: atrial premature beats

A case of antepartum fetal arrhythmia is reported. The diagnosis of atrial premature beats was confirmed during labor by simultaneous recording of fetal heart rate and fetal electrocardiogram. The possibility of fetal distress during labor was excluded by fetal heart rate and acid-base monitoring. The difficulty of reaching a definitive antepartum diagnosis of the arrhythmia and its significance in relation to fetal well-being are discussed.