What is fetal monitoring?
Fetal monitoring, also known as fetal heart rate monitoring, uses special equipment to check your baby’s heart rate during pregnancy, as well as during labor and delivery. The technology allows your healthcare provider to detect changes in your baby’s heartbeat that could signal a need for further evaluation.
Fetal monitoring is frequently done during prenatal visits to monitor your baby’s health during your pregnancy. During labor, if your provider detects an abnormal fetal heart rate, they can take steps to help ensure a healthy delivery. In addition, fetal monitoring can help prevent the need for unnecessary treatments, as a normal heart rate pattern can let your provider know it is safe to continue labor.
Types of fetal heart rate monitoring
Fetal monitoring can be done on the outside of your belly (external monitoring) or directly on the baby while inside your uterus (internal monitoring). External monitoring is the most common, but internal fetal monitoring may be better in certain situations.
Why is fetal monitoring done?
Fetal monitoring measures the speed and pattern of your baby's heartbeat, with the average heart rate ranging between 110 and 160 beats per minute. By tracking the heart rate, your provider can identify if it's too high, too low or fluctuating abnormally. Fluctuations of six to 25 beats per minute over 10 minutes are normal.
What could irregularities mean?
Irregularities in the heart rate could indicate that your baby isn't getting enough oxygen or has other health concerns. If this occurs, additional testing or an emergency delivery may be necessary.
When is fetal heart rate monitoring done?
Fetal monitoring is used during pregnancy, labor and birth to track the health of the baby. It can be done in different ways, depending on the stage of pregnancy and labor.
Understanding the results
The normal range for a fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats. However, it’s important to remember that changes in your baby’s heart rate do not necessarily mean there is a concern. It’s normal for the heart rate to increase when your baby moves and during contractions. Signs of an issue needing further evaluation could include an irregular heartbeat or a heartbeat of less than 110 beats per minute or more than 160 beats per minute.