What does fetal monitoring check for?

Fetal monitoring, also known as antenatal surveillance, is primarily used to assess the health status of the fetus inside the mother's uterus. By monitoring physiological indicators such as fetal heart rate and fetal movements, it helps evaluate whether the fetus is experiencing abnormalities like hypoxia or fetal distress. Fetal monitoring is generally divided into two types: the non-stress test (NST) and the contraction stress test (CST). During the monitoring procedure, the pregnant woman should lie comfortably on her back or side. The healthcare provider places a fetal heart rate monitor on the woman's abdomen to capture and display the fetal heartbeat waveform. At the same time, the provider observes uterine contractions and records relevant data. Throughout the test, the pregnant woman should remain relaxed and avoid excessive tension or anxiety. If the monitoring results are abnormal, the doctor may recommend further tests or treatments for the pregnant woman.