What is the purpose of a fetal heart rate tracker?

The purpose of a fetal heart rate tracker is to document and analyze fetal heart rate patterns over time for trends in well-being. This monitoring is crucial during pregnancy and labor as it provides vital information about the fetus's condition. By tracking the fetal heart rate, healthcare providers can observe the baby's response to various stimuli, including contractions, and assess signs of fetal distress or well-being.

Monitoring trends over time allows for the identification of any abnormalities in the fetal heart rate that could indicate complications, guiding decisions regarding potential interventions or the timing of deliveries. Evaluating these patterns helps ensure that the fetus remains healthy throughout the labor process.

While assessing maternal contractions, managing labor pain, and identifying maternal health issues are important components of maternal-fetal care, they do not specifically capture the unique primary purpose of a fetal heart rate tracker, which centers on the observation of the fetus's heart activity and overall status.