Fetal heart monitoring

Fetal heart monitoring tracks the baby's heart rate during pregnancy and labor to assess well-being. It helps detect signs of potential distress, such as oxygen deprivation. Monitoring can be done continuously with electronic devices (doppler or electronic fetal monitor) placed on the mother's abdomen, or intermittently with a handheld Doppler device. During labor, it provides real-time information to healthcare providers, aiding decisions about the labor process. Overall, fetal heart monitoring is a vital tool ensuring the baby's health and safety throughout pregnancy and childbirth.