During prenatal visits, how is fetal heart rate typically assessed?

Fetal heart rate is typically assessed using fetal dopplers or ultrasound techniques because these methods provide non-invasive, accurate, and real-time monitoring of the fetal heartbeat. Dopplers use sound waves to detect the fetal heart rate, allowing healthcare providers to hear the heartbeat and monitor its patterns over time. Ultrasound techniques can visualize the fetal heart and other anatomical structures, offering additional information that helps evaluate the overall wellbeing of the fetus.

While listening with a stethoscope is a traditional method that can be used, especially in later stages of pregnancy, it is not as common or reliable as dopplers and ultrasound. Palpating the abdomen can help assess fetal movement and position but does not provide a direct measurement of the fetal heart rate. Smartphone applications might be emerging tools for monitoring fetal heart rate, but they are not standard practice in clinical settings. Thus, the preferred method during prenatal visits relies on advanced technology that ensures accuracy and the safety of both the mother and the fetus.