Most babies sail through like little troopers.
Electronic fetal monitoring gives your practitioner important insight into how your baby is handling labor and delivery.
Heres when its necessary and what to expect during your labor.
What is electronic fetal monitoring?
Electronic fetal monitoring is using special equipment to continuously gauge your babys heartbeat in response contractions.
Doing so allows your practitioner to assess how your baby is handling labor.
Why is electronic fetal monitoring done?
Most experts say that electronic fetal monitoring isnt necessary in many cases.
An ultrasound transducer is strapped over your abdomen to pick up the baby’s heartbeat.
Both detectors are connected to a monitor, and the measurements are recorded on a paper readout.
These two measurements give your practitioner detailed information about how your baby is handling labor.
You wont, however, be able to move about freely unless telemetry monitoring is being used.
During the pushing stage of labor, the monitor can accurately signal the beginning and end of each contraction.
It may also be removed entirely during this stage, so it doesnt interfere with your concentration.
Instead, youll be monitored periodically with a Doppler.
It can only be used after your water has broken.
A tiny electrode is inserted through your vagina onto your baby’s scalp.
The equipment, however, is not available in all hospitals.
The big upside to this technology is it allows you to maintain your mobility while still having constant monitoring.
When is it not advised to do electronic fetal monitoring?
Are there any downsides or risks of fetal monitoring to the baby and me?
Wondering whether electronic fetal monitoring will be necessary for you or hoping to avoid it altogether?
Talk to your practitioner about your options.
like whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners.
