About this episode
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/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: Thank you to VTech for their support of this episode. VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today's modern parents. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The Advanced HQ Max is built for parents who want an easy-to-use, secure monitor without the need for Wi-Fi or apps. With a large 7" screen and crisp, real-time video, it provides reliable monitoring without lag. The Advanced HQ Max is perfect if you want private, no-fuss monitoring with premium features. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the Advanced HQ Max at PregnancyPodcast.com/HQMax. https://pregnancypodcast.com/hqmax/ The True Belly Serum from 8 Sheep Organics is specially formulated with clinically proven ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to effectively prevent stretch marks. Like all 8 Sheep products, the True Belly Serum comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel the serum has not worked for you, or if you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Save 10% off 8 Sheep Organics at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium 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