fetal monitoring

fetal monitoring

Obstetrics A general term which can refer to any maneuver used to evaluate the fetus' status during pregnancy–eg, measurement of heartbeat and visual examination of the amniotic sac; however, as used, FM usually refers to the use of electronic devices during L&D to assess the baby's heartbeat and uterine contraction. See External fetal monitoring, Internal fetal monitoring.

Fetal monitoring*

Indirect FM–Electrodes are placed on abdominal skin over uterus, which detects fetal heart beats and uterine contractions

Direct FM involves the placing of an electrode directly on the fetus while it is in the uterus, which is done after the membranes around the fetus have ruptured

*Formerly limited to high risk pregnances, FM is a common procedure that been linked to a ↓ in labor-related death and disability; a consequence of FM is ↑ possibility of the obstetrician performing a C- section