- Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has been in use since the 1970s. According to guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, problems with EFM have been due to misinterpretation of the tracings by professionals.
- Continuous electronic fetal monitoring involves a toco, which is sensitive to pressure, and a transducer, which detects the baby's heartbeat, attached to the maternal abdomen with straps. Intermittent fetal monitoring is done at prescribed intervals with a hand-held Doppler. Both methods can accomplish the same objectives.
- When a machine does the monitoring, the mother's movement is restricted for a longer period of time. Monitor tracings also provide an objective record in case any legal issues arise.
- In threatened premature labor, the monitor can detect early signs of labor contractions that the mother might not feel, thus enabling early intervention.
- Daily monitoring can assess the fetal well-being of multiples or at-risk babies. A rise in heart rate in response to movement is reassuring; the placenta is functioning well and the infant is not deprived of oxygen. Alternate tests include fetal kick counts recorded by the mother.
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