🩺 What is fetal monitoring?

Fetal monitoring is a simple and non-invasive test that records simultaneously:

• the baby’s heart rate (beats per minute),
• and the mother’s uterine contractions.

It is performed using two sensors placed on the mother’s abdomen.

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🎯 What is it for?

• Monitoring the baby’s well-being: checking that the heart rate remains regular and reacts normally to contractions.
• Detecting possible fetal distress (lack of oxygen, abnormal decelerations).
• Evaluating uterine activity: frequency, intensity, and duration of contractions.

⏱️ When is it done?

Fetal monitoring may be recommended:

1. In the third trimester:
   • If the mother feels the baby moving less,
   • In case of suspected fetal distress,
   • When the pregnancy goes past the due date,
   • If the mother has a medical condition (high blood pressure, diabetes, growth restriction of the baby, particular medical history).
2. During labor:
   • To track the progress of contractions,
   • To ensure the baby is tolerating labor well,
   • Sometimes continuously, sometimes intermittently, depending on the situation.

⏳ Duration

• In late pregnancy consultations: usually 20 to 30 minutes.
• During labor: continuous monitoring or repeated recordings, depending on the protocol and how labor progresses.

👉 In summary :

Fetal monitoring is an essential tool for monitoring the baby’s health before and during labor. It provides valuable medical information while being simple, painless, and safe for both mother and baby.