ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support

toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Fetal heart monitoring

Fetal heart monitoring

Fetal heart monitoring measures a baby's (fetus's) heart rate during pregnancy or labor and delivery. These measurements can help health professionals check a fetus's general condition and identify early signs of distress.

During labor and delivery, the fetal heart rate is closely watched along with the mother's uterine contractions (using a tocometer). This helps the doctor or nurse see how the baby is responding and whether any treatments, such as the use of medicines, are needed to help speed up delivery.

Two types of monitoring—external or internal—can be done.

  • For external monitoring, instruments that detect fetal heartbeats are placed around the pregnant woman's abdomen.
  • For internal monitoring, electrodes that measure fetal heartbeats are connected to the fetus's scalp. Internal monitoring is not done if there is placenta previa, a condition where the placenta is low and just above the cervix, because of the risk of bleeding.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.