What’s Electronic Fetal Monitoring?

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Electronic Fetal Monitoring tracks the heart rate of the fetus in utero. An electronic fetal monitor can also monitor the strength and duration of a uterine contraction during labor. There are several methods of using such a device to determine the health of an unborn child, including external and internal monitoring.
External electronic fetal monitoring uses ultrasound waves to monitor the health of the fetus. Most often, this form of monitoring uses a stethoscope or flat fetal monitoring pads applied to the pregnant mother’s stomach. The ultrasound waves emitted by the device reproduce the sound of the fetal heart rate.

The external fetal monitor can be used to evaluate the fetus during labor by detecting the change in heart rate as the uterus contracts. This is called a shrinkage stress test. A nonstress test can also be completed with external fetal monitoring. The stress-free test detects the baby’s heart rate as the baby moves and lies at rest.

Internal fetal monitoring is used only after the cervix is ​​dilated and the amniotic sac has ruptured. This method uses a small electrode inserted through the vagina and attached to the scalp of the fetus. The electrode continuously monitors the fetal heart rate and contractions. In most cases, internal electronic fetal monitoring is more accurate than the external method.

Electronic certification of fetal monitoring is required in most healthcare settings so that the nurse or technician can effectively read the monitor results. An electronic monitoring course typically offers instruction in how to use fetal monitors and how to read test results. Nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, among other health care professionals, may hold electronic fetal monitoring certifications.

There are at least two different types of electronic fetal monitoring education. These include online courses and offline courses. An online course can be used for continuing education, new training, and as preparation for certification. An offline course can offer the same training, but classes are usually conducted in a traditional classroom setting, as opposed to an electronic classroom accessed from a personal computer.

The results of electronic fetal monitoring can establish the positive or negative health condition of the baby. For example, the normal or healthy range for a child’s heart rate is 120 to 160 beats per minute. If a child’s heart rate drops below 120 or rises above 160, there may be cause for concern. Fetal monitoring is a tool to help doctors diagnose and treat potential problems in the womb and after birth.

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