What does fetal heart monitoring examine?
Disease description:
After getting pregnant, many tests are required. In just two days, I need to have a fetal heart rate monitoring test. I'd like to ask the doctor: what does this fetal heart rate monitoring check for?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Fetal heart rate monitoring primarily measures the fetal heart rate and its rhythm to assess the health status of the fetus in utero. Through fetal heart rate monitoring, potential problems such as fetal hypoxia and arrhythmia can be promptly detected. Additionally, this monitoring can help predict possible abnormalities during delivery, such as fetal distress. Fetal heart rate monitoring is typically performed using a fetal monitor. The pregnant woman lies on an examination table while the healthcare provider places the monitor's transducer on her abdomen to capture and display the fetal heartbeat signals. The entire procedure usually takes about 20–30 minutes, during which the pregnant woman should remain relaxed to ensure accurate monitoring of the fetal heart activity. If any abnormalities are detected, the doctor will promptly provide recommendations and appropriate management.
