What does "fetal scalp stimulation" assess?

Fetal scalp stimulation is a specific technique used during labor to evaluate the baby's well-being by assessing the heart rate response to tactile stimulation. When the fetal scalp is gently stimulated, it can lead to an acute increase in the fetal heart rate if the fetus is reacting appropriately, indicating a healthy response to stress and suggesting good oxygenation and neurological function.

This heart rate change is assessed in the context of monitoring for signs of fetal distress. An adequate heart rate response after stimulation indicates a well-functioning fetal autonomic nervous system, reflecting that the fetus is likely not compromised and is healthy.

The other options do not directly relate to the purpose of fetal scalp stimulation. For example, the level of uterine contractions is monitored separately through contraction patterns rather than through stimulation of the fetal scalp. Maternal blood circulation and amniotic fluid levels are assessed using different methods and are not the focus of scalp stimulation, which specifically looks at fetal heart rate responses as an indicator of well-being.