Fetal monitoring refers to watching and listening to the heart rate of a fetus, while still in the mother's womb. The fetal monitor was introduced in 1958 at Yale University, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Some fetal monitors consist of a hand-held Doppler probe, while others use an elastic belt or girdle around the midsection. Fetal monitors produce a paper strip with vital information, as it happens. Monitors are typically used during labor to determine if the baby is in good health or not. Interpreting a fetal monitor strip is not complicated. Always defer to a nurse or doctor's expertise when necessary.
Step 1
Locate the baseline fetal heart rate on the monitor strip. It is usually found on the top graph of the strip, indicated by a horizontal line moving across the page. For a normal fetal heart rate, the line should remain between 120 and 160 beats per minute.
Step 2
Locate the contractions, which are on the bottom graph of the strip, indicated by a horizontal line moving across the page. The time of day should be printed in between the two graphs. Contractions can be seen as a bell-shaped curve on the graph, which will peak during the most intense part of the contraction.
Step 3
Monitor the fetal heart rate to notice regular variations from the baseline. The line will dip and rise to indicate variations. Variations indicate a healthy nervous system and responsiveness. Beat-to-beat variations are an important indicator of fetal health. No variation in the fetal heart rate can indicate serious complications.
Step 4
Watch for acceleration or deceleration of the fetal heart rate during contractions. Fetal heart rate may accelerate from the baby's movement or contractions, but deceleration that happens at a time other than during contraction may indicate the baby is under stress. If the heart rate dips below the baseline reading,and only recovers after the contraction is over, it could indicate a shortage of oxygen.
Tips and Warnings
- An increase in fetal heart rate at the start of a contraction is normal. "V" shaped dips under the baseline can indicate there is pressure on the umbilical cord.
