A method, system, and computer program product are provide for, among other things, quantitative analysis of heart rate characteristics from fetal heart rate and cardiotocogram monitors that gives information about the well-being of the fetus and the risk of poor fetal outcome. The method comprises (a) continuously measuring fetal heart rate and cardiotocographic characteristics and (b) identifying at least one characteristic abnormality in the heart rate characteristics that is associated with fetal distress. Benefits are appreciated by the fetus and the mother and during the antepartum and intrapartum periods.