Electronic fetal monitor

An electronic device that is used to monitor the heart rate of the fetus before delivery. The electronic fetal monitor is usually used in labor and can identify fetal problems before delivery. There is some evidence that monitoring the fetal heart rate electronically may increase the rate of cesarean delivery. Most obstetricians believe that it identifies serious fetal problems earlier than other methods, thus improving outcome. Another method for monitoring the fetus' health during labor is listening to the fetal heart beat with a special fetal stethoscope or doppler ultrasound device at regular intervals. There are two types of fetal monitors: 1) external, which are attached to the mother's abdomen and 2) internal, which attach to the infant's scalp inside the uterus.