What a Foetal Heart Rate Monitor Can and Cannot Tell us

Foetal heart rate monitoring is the process of monitoring the baby's heart beat while you are pregnant or during the process of delivery. Monitoring the rate and rhythm of the unborn baby's heart is one of the many factors that go into monitoring that the baby's growth during the gestation period and during delivery. This becomes all the more important if the mother suffers from known medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Foetal heart rate monitoring has great indicative value in ensuring foetal health but is not used as a diagnostic tool by itself. It is usually used in combination with other tests.

Types of Foetal Heart Rate Monitoring

·        External monitoring - The Foetal Heart Rate Doppler is one of the common external monitoring devices used to monitor foetal heart rate. The doppler ultrasound is a handheld device that is commonly used by doctors during the pregnancy. Later during the pregnancy, however, the doctor may choose to administer a non-stress test (NST) using a cardiotocograph.

·        Internal monitoring – Internal foetal heart rate monitoring is used to monitor heart rate of the foetus during the birthing process. During the delivery, a wire is attached to the baby's scalp and this is connected to a foetal heart rate monitoring machine. This monitoring method is used only after the amniotic sac has broken.

·        Intermittent auscultation – Intermittent auscultation (IA) or intermittent foetal monitoring is used in low risk pregnancies where the foetal heart rate is monitored externally with a handheld device every 30 minutes or so.

What a foetal heart rate monitor can and cannot tell us

The baby’s foetal heart rate is usually between 100 and 160 per minute. During the birthing process the baby’s heart rate may accelerate or decelerate for brief periods. Increase in heart beat may be indicative of proper oxygen flow through the umbilical cord. A drop in heart beat is common during the crowning period. These are all monitored by a doctor/the obstetrician. If these periods of increase or decrease are prolonged or do not occur at the right stages, this may be indicative of challenges to the baby's health presented during delivery. The doctor may then choose to further monitor or go in for corrective action such as using a vacuum device to aid delivery. A foetal heart rate monitor cannot, however, indicate the exact problem. This is a judgement that is made by the doctor. False positives, i.e. indications of a problem when there is none, is also known to occur.

Like nitrile examination gloves, external foetal heart rate monitors are often available with reputed medical stockists such as Smart Medical Buyer. It is best, however, to consult with your doctor before you pick the right monitor and learn to use it effectively.

 

 


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