Monitoring your baby in labor

• 16/05/2022
• 0

While your journey from getting pregnant to going into labor is long and crucial, Labor is still considered as the most dreadful part by most mothers and we agree that it can get scary at times when proper care is not provided to both the baby and its mother. This is where monitoring your baby in labor comes in.  Baby monitoring has been around for over 350 years now. In fact electronic fetal monitoring was only introduced in the 1970s before that the doctors, nurses and midwives used a fetoscope to listen to the fetal heartbeat. 

How is my baby monitored in labor?

Every new mother tries to gather as much information as she can about pregnancy and babies. So, It is almost impossible for the thought of baby monitoring and the overall health of your baby to not cross your mind. The best lady doctor near me explained this in a very detailed manner. Essentially, there are two ways to monitor your baby during labor

• External Monitoring :-  

There are two forms of external monitoring.

• • Auscultation :–  In this traditional method your doctor will place a Doppler Transducer ( a type of stethoscope) against your abdomen to monitor the baby’s heartbeat. This is one of the most famous and preferred methods of baby monitoring amongst ‘to-be’ mothers as it doesn’t bind them to the hospital bed and allows them to move freely.
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring : In this method your gynecologist will strap e-sensors to your abdomen which will continue to monitor your baby throughout labor. Unlike auscultation you cannot move around while these sensors are attached to you.
•  Internal Monitoring :-  This method is only used when external monitoring is not picking up the heartbeat of your baby properly or if your pregnancy is more complicated than usual. The best gynecologist in Chandigarh uses this method only in extreme cases as this type of fetal monitoring can get really uncomfortable for first time mothers. 

In this method an electrode is directly placed on the baby’s scalp. Sometimes even a small tube is inserted inside your vulva which gives a more accurate depiction of your contractions. Even though this is highly uncomfortable it is still the best method of baby monitoring in cases where very precise reading is necessary.

How do I know that everything’s normal?

As we have already discussed, it is very normal for new mothers to wonder what is normal and what isn’t. Following are a few regularities and irregularities that you need to look for during your labor.

• Normal :- 

• A heart rate of 110 and 160 per 60 seconds.
• Increasing heart rate during contractions and movement of the baby.
• Consistent contractions.

• Abnormal :-
• Baby’s heartbeat below 110 or above 160.
• Irregular heartbeat which doesn’t rise during contractions or while the baby is moving.

What happens if my gynecologist detects an irregularity ?

In case of an irregularity the doctors can take a few steps. They will start by analyzing the situation and see what is causing the irregularity. Your gynecologist will then try to get you into a more comfortable position and give you more IV fluids and medicines which will assist in getting you to relax. 

If none of this works then your doctor will resort to an early delivery. This can be done using a special vacuum or through a c-section. 

Giving birth is one of the most wondrous and fascinating things you can do as a woman. Naturally, there are a lot of important questions to ask yourself before you choose a doctor. Try to find someone who is not hesitant to answer your concerns whenever you need. If you are looking for the best gynecologist in Chandigarh visit Dr. Ruchi Rai Ahuja’s clinic today and let her guide you through every step of the way.