Foetal monitoring occurs when trained care providers use tools to monitor and interpret the baby’s heartbeat during labor and birth. The information that health care providers get from foetal heart patterns during labor helps them decide whether or not to intervene in the birth process. In this article, we will discuss the types of Foetal Monitoring Durban and their qualities.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF MONITORING?
Auscultation is a method of periodically listening to the foetal heartbeat. It can also be discussed as listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope. Auscultation is performed for the purposes of examining the circulatory and respiratory systems, as well as the alimentary canal.
Electronic foetal monitoring is a procedure in which instruments are used to continuously record the heartbeat of the foetus and the contractions of the woman’s uterus during labour. The method that is used depends on the policy of your OB-GYN or hospital, your risk of problems, and how your labour is going. If you do not have any complications or risk factors for problems during labour, either method is acceptable.
HANDS-ON-LISTENING (INTERMITTENT AUSCULTATION)
Another foetal monitoring option is intermittent auscultation, which we call hands-on listening. With hands-on listening, the Dr listens to the unborn baby’s heart rate for short periods of time at regular intervals during active labour and continuous cardiotocography implies FHR monitoring for longer periods. They document the foetal heart rate, rhythm (regular or irregular), any foetal heart rate accelerations, and the depth, timing, and duration of any decelerations
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FETAL HEART RATE PATTERN IS ABNORMAL?
Abnormal foetal heart rate patterns do not always mean there is a problem. Other tests may be done to get a better idea of what is going on with your foetus.
If there is an abnormal foetal heart rate pattern, your obstetricians / gynaecologists or other health care professional will first try to find the cause. Steps can be taken to help the foetus get more oxygen, such as having you change position. If these procedures do not work, or if further test results suggest your foetus has a problem, your OB-GYN or other health care professional may decide to deliver right away. In this case, the delivery is more likely to be by caesarean birth or with forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery.
Dr Sunkaran Pillay provides Foetal Monitoring services in Durban, simply book online by calling 031 701 1061 or book online.