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Monitoring, a key examination
Monitoring continuously records the rhythm of the baby’s heartbeat thanks to an ultrasound sensor placed on the mother’s lower abdomen. It can be used throughout pregnancy in the event of complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, threat of premature labor). But more often than not, you find out about it on the day of childbirth. Indeed, when you arrive at the maternity ward, you are very quickly placed under monitoring. Two sensors held by a belt and connected to a device the size of a computer are placed on your lower abdomen. The first captures the baby’s heartbeat, the second records the intensity and regularity of the contractions even if they are not painful. The data is transcribed in real time on paper.
Monitoring in practice
Don’t worry if sometimes a red light comes on or a buzzer sounds, it just means the signal is lost. These alarms are made to warn the midwife that the recording is not working. The sensors can move if you make too many movements or if the baby changes position. Normally, the monitoring remains continuous until the birth of your baby. In some maternities, there are wireless recorders. The sensors are still placed on your stomach, but the recording transmits a signal to a device in the delivery room or in the midwifery office. You are like this more freedom of your movements and you can move around during the dilation phase. In addition, in the event of a low-risk pregnancy, you can request that monitoring is installed intermittently. However, it is up to the medical team to decide if this choice does not present any risks.
Monitoring, to prevent and anticipate fetal suffering
Monitoring allows you to assess your baby’s behavior in utero and check that he supports the contractions well. The monitor recording tape shows varying degrees of oscillations. Don’t worry, this is completely normal: the heartbeat naturally varies depending on the contractions. When your baby is sleeping, the pace is slower. In general, the midwife lowers the sound of the heartbeats because this listening can sometimes be stressful. The basal heart rate is said to be normal between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). Tachycardia is defined as a rate greater than 160 bpm for more than 10 minutes. Bradycardia is characterized by a rate of less than 110 bpm for more than 10 minutes. All babies do not have the same rhythm, but if the recording shows abnormalities (slowing down of beats during contractions, slight variation, etc.), this may be the case. sign of fetal distress. We must then intervene.
What an internal fetal monitoring
In case of doubt, we can practice a internal fœtal monitoring. This technique involves attaching a small electrode to the baby’s scalp to detect electrical impulses from his heart. A fetal blood test can also be done. A small electrode is introduced through the cervix in order to collect a drop of blood on the baby’s skull. Fetal distress causes a change in the acidity of the blood. If the pH is low, there is a risk of suffocation and medical intervention is required. The doctor then decides to remove the child quickly, either by natural means, using instruments (forceps, suction cup), or by cesarean section.