During pregnancy and labor, healthcare providers assess fetal well-being using the following approaches:
1. In vitro monitoring technology
Monitoring by auscultation
During routine prenatal examinations, doctors use a fetoscope or Doppler ultrasound device for intermittent monitoring
Applicable to routine monitoring of low-risk pregnancies
Electronic fetal heart monitoring
(1) Non-stress test (NST)
Implemented after 32 weeks of pregnancy, recording heart rate acceleration during fetal movement for 20 minutes
Using abdominal strap sensors for continuous monitoring
(2) Labor monitoring
Fix the sensor with an adjustable abdominal strap
Real-time tracking of the impact of uterine contractions on fetal heart rate
When abnormalities occur, prompts that emergency treatment is required
Doppler ultrasound monitoring
Working principle: Ultrasound probe captures fetal movement sound wave signals
Clinical application:
▶ Routine prenatal examinations first fetal heart listening (can be detected by medical ultrasound equipment before 12 weeks of pregnancy)
▶ It is recommended that professional testing start after 13 weeks of pregnancy
Precautions for home use equipment:
▶ The product is marked as being able to be tested as early as 8-12 weeks
▶ Professionals recommend that it be used with caution before 16 weeks
▶ Professional guidance is required before use
2. In-vivo monitoring technology
Implementation conditions:
▶ The fetal membrane has ruptured
▶ The cervix is fully dilated
Operation method:
▶ Insert the spiral electrode through the cervix
▶ Fix directly on the fetal scalp
Advantages: More accurate than in-vitro monitoring data
****Special tips:
It is not recommended to use monitoring equipment by yourself in early pregnancy (<12 weeks)
Any home device should be consulted with a professional physician before use
In-vivo monitoring requires strict aseptic operation and is only applicable to specific stages of labor
(The choice of monitoring method should be determined by the professional medical team based on the individual pregnancy situation and labor progress)
