Pregnancy is all exciting and fun until you have to go through all the tests. Yes, there are many tests performed throughout this stage. They are essential as they check on the health of the mother and unborn child.

These include genetic screening, blood, urine tests, ultrasounds, etc. To know how your baby is doing, healthcare professionals do an ultrasound using digital Doppler devices. However, there's more to it and here is everything you need to know.

Significance of Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

Wondering how well your baby is doing on its way to meet the world? This is where fetal heart rate monitoring comes in since it goes beyond just identifying heart rate. It offers important information about the health and well-being of the fetus during pregnancy, labour and delivery.

For instance, a fetal doppler performs more than just tracking your baby's heart rate. This can be an early warning sign or first indicator that your baby needs help or if the baby is doing well. They help in determining the duration as well as the strength of your contractions. However, remember that this isn't any crystal ball that tells the future health of your baby.

How Is Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Done?

When it comes to monitoring your baby's heart rate, fetal heart rate monitoring is done in different ways. This includes:

• External Ways

One of the continuous monitoring methods is external ways where elastic bands are used to secure the sensors, placed on the abdomen. These sensors are linked to a device that logs uterine contractions and the baby's heart rate.

However, some factors might affect its results. This includes excessive movement of the baby, the woman's weight or the baby's small size.

• Internal Ways

Internal methods are used when an external monitor doesn't work or in high-risk situations. This method requires both dilating and an amniotic sac rupture. In this, a thin electrode is attached to the baby's scalp after guiding via the cervix or vagina.

A tiny tube is also attached to track the contractions occurring inside the uterus. With the help of electrodes or tubing, the heart rate of the baby is continuously recorded via connection.

• Wireless Fetal Monitor

Another method is wireless fetal monitoring where a digital doppler is used. For this method, you don't need to be plugged in, rather heart rate readings are done wirelessly.

In this, the detected sounds are converted into a digital signal and transmitted wirelessly to a monitoring device. They provide accurate and reliable monitoring, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.

• Intermittent Auscultation

Intermittent auscultation is used in low-risk situations when focusing on the baby at all times becomes crucial. For this, healthcare professionals use a stethoscope, an electronic monitor or an ultrasound device like a fetal doppler with a display.

All these are used to listen to the baby's heartbeat at specific intervals. However, if something is unusual, the doctor might monitor it continuously.

Moreover, the best method for fetal heart rate monitoring will be selected by your healthcare professional. This depends on several factors such as age, situation and other concerns.

Major Benefits of Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

For every expectant mother, being aware of your baby's health is a major concern. In other words, it is a source of comfort and happiness. Thanks to healthcare professionals and devices like fetal Doppler that ensure this concern doesn't go unheard.

Fetal heart rate monitoring offers information on your pregnancy and baby's health. It acts as a sentinel, protecting your unborn child's health. Wondering how it helps? Well, it brings a plethora of benefits including:

• Early Detection

A major benefit of fetal heart rate monitoring is that it enables early detection of issues. A fetal discomfort can lead to many problems such as maternal health issues, placental abruption, etc.

By keeping an eye on the FHR, healthcare professionals can detect aberrant patterns, thereby preventing long-term harm and even death. Early detection also allows timely interventions, providing oxygen, shifting the mother's position, etc.

• Reduce Birth Risk

Another benefit of FHRM is that it helps in reducing birth-related risks. For instance, if the fetus doesn't receive enough oxygen during labour or delivery it may cause birth asphyxia.

However, by early detection and taking prompt action, healthcare professionals can reduce such risks. In addition to identifying abnormal heart rate patterns, it also helps to detect other issues. This includes decreased fetal movement and developmental delays.

• Enhanced Patient Experience

Lack of health knowledge of the unborn child can make expectant mothers worry. Thanks to devices like digital Doppler that enhance patient experience through fetal heart rate monitoring. It lowers anxiety by offering reassurance.

Women can feel more confident about their labour experience and more connected to the baby. Thanks to FHRM which offers continuous updates about the child's health. This also helps to make better decisions.

How to Prepare for Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring?

Fetal heart rate monitoring is a simple procedure and requires minimal preparation. However, if you are worried, then here is how you can make the process comfortable:

• Dress comfortably and wear loose clothes so that your abdomen can be seen.

• Stay away from clothing that is too tight since it could limit your motion range.

• Make sure you stay hydrated in the hours before the test.
• One must also avoid caffeine since it can lead to inaccurate readings or increased heart rate temporarily.

Tiny Heartbeat that Echoes Tomorrow's Promise

At MedGuard, we understand how crucial it is to assess the heart of the baby. Keeping this in mind, we offer high-quality dopplers with accessories like battery covers for dopplers, sterile ultrasound gel and more. Our products go through rigorous tests before being delivered to you.

From hospitals to clinics, we cater to a wide range of industries. We make sure you and your baby receive the care and attention they deserve at every stage. For more queries or personalised guidance, you can rely on us at any time.