Listen "Understanding Your Options for Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring"
Episode Synopsis
Your doctor or midwife monitors the fetal heart rate of your baby to assess their well-being and how well they are tolerating labor. They primarily use electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), which is the most common obstetric procedure during labor. EFM This allows your doctor or midwife to recognize signs of low oxygen and respond quickly if intervention is needed. While electronic fetal monitoring can identify emergencies, research shows that continuous monitoring does not necessarily improve outcomes and is linked to higher rates of cesarean and assisted births. Most low-risk pregnancies can be safely monitored intermittently. Hospital policies, provider training, and individual risk factors all influence what type of monitoring is used. By learning about your options and discussing them ahead of time, you and your care provider can create a plan that keeps your baby safe while supporting the birth experience you want. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/monitoring/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com
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