The use of computers for analysis of fetal heart rate has developed rapidly, enabling reproducible, objective analysis of fetal heart rate patterns. The problems of observer differences in visual assessment of fetal heart rate, and the continuum of antepartum and intrapartum fetal condition can be clarified through the use of such approaches. Computerized fetal heart rate analysis presents opportunities to perform precise evaluations of the effects of environmental conditions, medications, and disease states on fetal heart rate parameters.