What are the two main types of fetal heart rate monitoring?

Fetal heart rate monitoring is essential for evaluating the health and well-being of the fetus during pregnancy and labor. The two main types of fetal heart rate monitoring are external and internal.

External monitoring involves the use of transducers placed on the mother's abdomen. These transducers measure the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions using sound waves or pressure. This method is non-invasive, which makes it a common choice for routine checks throughout pregnancy and during labor.

Internal monitoring, on the other hand, involves placing a small electrode directly onto the fetal scalp to obtain a more accurate reading of the fetal heart rate. This method provides clearer data, especially in cases where external monitoring is inadequate due to maternal obesity, excessive fetal movement, or other factors that may hinder the signal.

Understanding these two types of monitoring is crucial for healthcare providers as they offer different levels of accuracy and invasiveness, allowing for tailored care based on the specific needs of the situation. Recognizing the distinctions between external and internal monitoring is necessary for effective fetal surveillance during labor and delivery.