Fetal heart rate monitoring in labour
During labour, the midwives and doctors will monitor you and your baby and pay particular attention to your baby’s heart rate pattern. Listening to your baby’s heartbeat can help midwives and doctors assess how well your baby is coping with labour. This is called fetal heart rate monitoring.
This information outlines Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring in labour, explores the benefits and risks, ways in which it is done, and choices surrounding monitoring.
Making your decision
Choosing to have your baby monitored in labour is your choice and we are here to help guide you through the benefits, risks and options for you to make your decision on what you feel comfortable with.
Your choice in how we monitor your baby’s heartbeat can be included in your personalised care plan. This can be shared with those caring for you and your baby to ensure they are aware of your decision.
You may choose one method or another or you may decide that you prefer your baby to be listened to at differing intervals to the national recommendations.
Your midwife is always there to discuss this in more detail and help you to feel fully informed.
Your decision can change any time you wish.
Where can I get more information?
What methods are available to monitor the baby’s heart rate?
There are two ways FHR monitoring can be performed.
It can be monitored either at regular intervals (intermittent) or continuously (electronic fetal monitoring).
The midwives and doctors will advise you depending on your individual case and risk factors, which one would be recommended when you attend in labour.