How often should fetal heart rate be monitored during the first stage of labor?
Aug 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
The first stage of labor refers to the process from cervical dilation to fetal delivery and can be divided into three phases: latent phase, active phase, and transition phase. Under normal circumstances, the interval for auscultating fetal heart rate during the first stage of labor is 30–60 seconds. If the pregnant woman has high-risk factors or if fetal abnormalities are present, the physician may require more frequent fetal heart monitoring or other assessments based on the specific clinical situation.
The first stage of labor refers to the process from cervical dilation to fetal delivery, which can be divided into three phases: latent phase, active phase, and transition phase. Under normal circumstances, the interval for listening to the fetal heart rate during the first stage of labor is 30–60 seconds. The details are as follows:
During the first stage of labor, uterine contractions gradually intensify, the cervix progressively dilates, and the fetus descends gradually. Throughout this process, monitoring the fetal heart rate is one of the key methods for assessing fetal well-being. Normally, each uterine contraction is typically accompanied by changes in the fetal heart rate. Generally, the interval for auscultating the fetal heart should be 30–60 seconds after the onset of a contraction. Changes in this interval can reflect variations in fetal heart rate and help determine whether the fetus is experiencing hypoxia or is in a compromised condition. At the beginning of a contraction, the fetal heart may respond quickly—fetal heart sounds can often be heard within a few seconds after the contraction starts. As the contraction continues, the response time of the fetal heart may lengthen, and the auscultation interval may increase. This occurs because uterine contractions exert pressure on the fetal blood supply, leading to transient changes in the fetal heart rate.
In addition to the auscultation interval, attention should also be paid to the rate and rhythm of the fetal heart. Normally, the fetal heart rate should range between 120 and 160 beats per minute and maintain a regular rhythm. A fetal heart rate that is too high or too low, or an irregular rhythm, may indicate fetal distress and require prompt intervention.
If a pregnant woman has high-risk factors or signs of fetal abnormalities, the healthcare provider may recommend more frequent fetal heart monitoring or additional assessments based on the specific clinical situation. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a physician for more accurate and individualized guidance.
