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Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Electronic fetal monitoring is one way of checking how your baby is doing during labor and delivery.  Electronic fetal monitoring uses special equipment to watch how the baby responds to contractions of the uterus by measuring the baby's heart rate.  Monitoring can be external (outside), internal (inside), or both.

External monitoring uses stretchy belts that hold two transducers in place across mother's abdomen.  One measures he baby's heart rate and the other measures mother's contractions.  This can be seen on the monitor screen in your room and at the nurse's station and on the paper print out.

Internal monitoring is a small device called an electrode is inserted through the birth can and planned on the baby's scalp.  This device records the heart rate.  A pressure catheter is placed in the uterus to measure the true strength of the contractions.

Normal fetal heart rate may range between 110 and 160 beats a minute.  Changes in the heart rate that happen along with contractions make patterns.  Some changes are normal but some may suggest a problem. Other test may be needed to get a better idea of what is going on with your baby.

Resource:  Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring, March 2001, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

A Pulse Oximeter?  Measures what?

What is a pulse oximeter?
A pulse oximeter measures oxygen in your blood. It measures the oxygen that is moving through the small blood vessels as the heart beats.  It is a padded clip that slips on your finger (for newborns it is a band placed on their foot).

How often is an oximeter used?
Oximeters are used in labor and delivery if you have medication for pain like an epidural.

How does a pulse oximeter function?
A pulse oximeter works by passing a beam of red and infrared light through the small blood vessels. The ratio of red to infrared light transmitted gives a measure of the oxygen level of the blood.