Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Quiz

Cardio Tocography

Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

• Definition: Fetal heart rate monitoring (FHRM) is a method of assessing fetal well-being during pregnancy and labor.
• Methods:
  • External monitoring: Fetal heart rate is measured using a Doppler ultrasound device or a tocodynamometer.
  • Internal monitoring: Fetal heart rate is measured using a fetal scalp electrode.
• Interpretation:
  • Baseline heart rate: 100-160 bpm, with a normal variability of 5-25 bpm.
  • Accelerations: Temporary increases in heart rate, indicating fetal well-being.
  • Decelerations: Temporary decreases in heart rate, potentially indicating fetal distress.

Non-stress Test

• Definition: A non-stress test (NST) is a method of assessing fetal well-being by monitoring fetal heart rate in response to fetal movements.
• Procedure:
  • The mother is asked to press a button whenever she feels fetal movement.
  • Fetal heart rate is monitored using a cardiotocograph (CTG) machine.
• Interpretation:
  • Reactive: A normal test result, indicating a healthy fetus.
  • Non-reactive: An abnormal test result, potentially indicating fetal distress or a need for further testing.

Fetal Movement Monitoring

• Definition: Fetal movement monitoring is a method of assessing fetal well-being by tracking fetal movements.
• Methods:
  • Kick counts: The mother records the number of fetal movements over a set period.
  • Actography: Fetal movements are monitored using a device that measures fetal activity.
• Interpretation:
  • Normal: 10-15 movements per hour, indicating a healthy fetus.
  • Abnormal: Fewer than 10 movements per hour, potentially indicating fetal distress or a need for further testing.

Cardio Tocography

Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

• FHRM is a method to assess fetal well-being during pregnancy and labor
• Two methods: external monitoring using Doppler ultrasound or tocodynamometer, and internal monitoring using a fetal scalp electrode
• Baseline heart rate: 100-160 bpm with a normal variability of 5-25 bpm
• Accelerations: temporary increases in heart rate, indicating fetal well-being
• Decelerations: temporary decreases in heart rate, potentially indicating fetal distress

Non-stress Test

• Definition: a method to assess fetal well-being by monitoring fetal heart rate in response to fetal movements
• Procedure: mother presses a button when she feels fetal movement, and fetal heart rate is monitored using a CTG machine
• Reactive test result: a healthy fetus, indicating normal fetal heart rate in response to movement
• Non-reactive test result: an abnormal result, potentially indicating fetal distress or a need for further testing

Fetal Movement Monitoring

• Definition: a method to assess fetal well-being by tracking fetal movements
• Kick counts: mother records the number of fetal movements over a set period
• Actography: fetal movements are monitored using a device that measures fetal activity
• Normal fetal movement: 10-15 movements per hour, indicating a healthy fetus
• Abnormal fetal movement: fewer than 10 movements per hour, potentially indicating fetal distress or a need for further testing