
Intermittent auscultation
Intermittent auscultation is a method used by healthcare providers to monitor a baby's heart rate during labor by listening at intervals with a device called a Doppler or a stethoscope. Instead of continuous monitoring, the provider checks the baby's heartbeat periodically to assess well-being and ensure the baby is not in distress. This technique can be less invasive and more comfortable for the mother compared to continuous electronic monitoring. It helps ensure the baby's health during labor while allowing some mobility and freedom for the mother.