Fetal Heart Rate Surveillance is our window to the well-being of the baby.
Intermittent Fetal Monitoring
This is the type of monitoring we use at the birth center. We use a Doppler to listen to the baby’s heart beat. A nurse or midwife will listen intermittently depending on what stage of labor you are in.
Continuous Fetal Monitoring at the Hospital
Clinical studies show that for low-risk pregnant people, continuous electronic monitoring has no effect on fetal outcomes, but it does increase the rate of cesarean delivery. Electronic fetal monitoring measures and records the baby’s heart rate in relation to uterine contractions.
External monitoring uses two monitors attached to soft straps that are worn around the belly. One records the baby’s heart rate and the other records contractions. The contraction monitor is used to detect when the contractions are occurring, but does not measure the actual strength of the contraction. External monitoring is what is most commonly used.
Internal monitoring is done when a higher level of surveillance is needed, either because the fetal tracing is questionable or the contraction strength needs to be monitored. It is done with an electrode in the baby’s scalp for heart rate monitoring and a catheter into the uterus to measure contractions. Clients with internal monitors are not able to get out of bed. This type of monitoring is only done when medically necessary and is not routine.
Continuous electronic monitoring will be done only in the hospital, and anyone receiving Pitocin or an epidural will have continuous external monitoring. A “telemetry” unit is available, and for clients without epidurals who need continuous monitoring, it may be used so that the client may walk around change positions for comfort.