Electronic Fetal Monitoring Guidelines

Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is a technique used during labor to track a baby’s heart rate and the mother’s contractions. Guidelines recommend monitoring to identify any potential problems, helping ensure the baby is well and responding appropriately during birth. Continuous monitoring may be used for higher-risk pregnancies, while intermittent monitoring may suffice for low-risk cases. The goal is to promptly address any signs of distress, enhancing safety for both mother and child. Health care providers interpret the data to make informed decisions, balancing the need for close observation with the mother’s comfort and mobility.