When you go into labor, the baby will have to be monitored for at least part of the time. A variety of methods can be used to monitor the baby’s heart rate. Some offer continuous monitoring, while others are used intermittently to check the baby’s condition and reaction to the contractions. Problems are often diagnosed through monitoring.
The most common type of fetal monitoring used in hospitals is Electronic Fetal Monitoring. This method uses elastic belts to hold the monitoring device around your abdomen. Two monitors are generally used. One monitor records the baby’s heart rate. The second monitor records the contractions. This method measures the heart rate in relation to the contractions. Electronic monitors can be used continually or intermittently.
There are other methods of intermittent monitoring. One method is to use a fetoscope. This is a special stethoscope that is used to listen to the baby’s heart tones. Using a fetoscope allows the mother to remain mobile throughout labor. You can be in the shower or moving around the room, rather than being confined to bed.
The Doppler is the other common method used for intermittent monitoring. This is a hand held ultrasound unit. Doppler is used to listen to the baby’s heart rate during office visits, so you are probably familiar with the unit. As with a fetoscope, this method allows you to remain mobile during labor.
If a problem is detected, you may need continuous monitoring. An internal monitor is often used when a problem is detected. This method requires that you stay in bed. An electrode is attached to the baby’s head. A pressure cathedar is inserted to measure the contractions.
Internal monitoring is the most accurate method for recording the baby’s heart rate. It is often used for high risk deliveries or when a problem is detected with other monitoring. To use internal monitoring, your water has to be broken. If it hasn’t broken, the doctor will break it prior to inserting the device. This is the most accurate method of fetal monitoring.
The type of monitoring used in your labor will depend on several factors. The amount of risk associated with your delivery is the biggest factor. If you are healthy and low risk with no complications, intermittent monitoring will be fine. If you are high risk or a problem is detected, you may need continuous monitoring.