Baby Heart Rate Monitors
Although baby heart rate monitors are most commonly used at pre-natal visits and during labor, some women like the idea of monitoring their babies at home. The “BabySonic Ultrasonic Personal Fetal Doppler” or “Babysense II Baby Heartbeat Monitor” baby monitor system can be rented for as little as $24-$49/month or purchased for as much as $499. Women who have miscarried or have had trouble with past pregnancies may find great comfort and peace of mind with a system like this, which allows them to keep track of their baby’s every breath to know that the term is going well.
Baby heart rate monitors can also be internal. Usually the internal baby monitor system is only used when complications arise during labor. Once the mother’s cervix has dilated at least two centimeters and the amniotic sac has ruptured, continuous internal monitoring is done to find out whether the stressfulness of labor is threatening the baby’s health and also to measure the strength/duration of labor contractions. To do this, an electrode is inserted in through the vagina, cervix, uterus and to the baby’s head. Chart print-outs and beeping sounds let doctors and nurses know exactly what’s going on during this urgent time.
During heart rate monitors testing, women lie on their backs or sides. Sometimes this can be uncomfortable, particularly if labor contractions are taking place, and also because the belts holding the monitors in place are often tight to get a more accurate reading. There are slight risks associated with external and internal digital baby monitors testing. For one, there is an increase in cesarean deliveries during fetal monitoring. Also, there may be a slight risk of infection during internal monitoring as well. However, for many mothers, this is an essential part of pregnancy to ensure the safety of their babies.
To prepare for heart rate monitors testing, mothers may be asked to eat a meal shortly before the non-stress test because food digestion will increase the baby’s movements. Conversely, contraction tests may require mothers to abstain from eating or drinking 4 to 8 hours prior to monitoring. Mothers who smoke will need to avoid smoking for two hours before the test because smoking decreases the baby’s activity. Doctors will check to see that the baby’s heart rate is between 120 to 160 beats per minute. If abnormal readings occur, sometimes ultrasound video monitors will be consulted and blood samples will be taken.
Disclaimer - Always seek professional medical advice.
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