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Fetal Monitoring
Fetal monitoring is a way in which your baby's health and how he
is reacting to labour can be assessed, and although many mother's
feel that it is totally unnecessary and cumbersome, it should be
viewed as a wonderful preventative measure against possible further
complications.
This can be done in two ways:
Belt monitor:
The belt monitor is placed around the mother's abdomen, directly
over the baby's heart, in an attempt to measure the heart rate. For
this method to be effective, it is vital that the mother lie as
still as possible - in some instances this may be impossible, in
which case the doctor may have difficulty in locating the heartbeat,
and he may suggest using a internal monitor.
Fetal scalp electrode:
During this procedure, electrodes will be directly applied to your
baby's scalp. This method however, can only be used once you have
dilated at least two to three centimetres and your waters have
already broken.
Your right to choose
As mentioned earlier, it is in your right to question why certain
procedures are performed, and it may offer some relief to visit the
ward prior to the birth to establish what procedures are routinely
done and why. This will give you a better understanding of what may
happen during times of distress, and what procedures you will have
the right to refuse.
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