Dr. Morice is an experienced OB GYN and tubal reversal surgeon in Morgan City, Louisiana. Because his tubal reversal surgeries have such a high success rate, Dr. Morice delivers many babies.The most important thing to Dr. Morice is the health of you and your baby. One method that is commonly used to monitor a baby’s health during labor is fetal heart monitoring (FHM). About 75% of deliveries use fetal heart monitoring. This measures your baby’s heart rate and the rate of your contractions. Heart monitoring can be done externally or internally.
What is the difference between internal and external FHM?
External fetal heart monitoring requires placing two ultrasound sensors on your abdomen. One sensor detects the baby’s heart rate, while the other detects the contractions. The data obtained from both sensors is printed out onto paper. This allows the healthcare provider to easily keep track of the frequency and duration of contractions and monitor the baby’s heart rate. External monitoring is often done before labor, as well, to monitor a baby’s heart rate in stress and nonstress situations. These help determine the health of your baby and whether or not he or she can withstand the stress of vaginal delivery.
Internal fetal heart monitoring is possible once your water has broke and your cervix has dilated to 2 or more centimeters. This allows a small electrode to be inserted through your vagina, into your uterus, and onto your baby’s scalp. Internal monitoring is used during labor as a more accurate way to measure the baby’s heart rate and the length and duration of contractions.
What does FHM do for my baby and me?
Monitoring your baby’s heart rate can help detect certain problems, such as hypoxia and fetal stress, early on. This allows your doctor to intervene, if necessary, and protect you and your baby.
What are some problems FHR may reveal?
A baby’s normal heart rate is between 120-160 beats per minute (BPM). A heart rate faster than 160 BPM for 10 minutes or longer indicates tachycardia. A heart rate below 120 BPM for 10 minutes or longer indicates bradycardia, or slow heart rate. Changes in heart rate are caused by the fetus’ response to its conditions. It may indicate hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), acidosis (excess carbon dioxide), contractions, maternal fever, anemia, umbilical cord compression, or fetal head compression. A baby’s heart rate can also be affected by drugs taken during delivery, such as an epidural.
What happens if my baby has an abnormal heart rate during delivery?
If your doctor detects an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, the first step is to identify the cause of the problem and try to fix it. If the cause is unknown or it cannot be addressed, the fetus may be in danger. In this case, your doctor may induce labor.
Are you interested in tubal reversal surgery or perinatal care? Contact Dr. Morice for a free tubal reversal consultation or appointment. Call our office at (985) 702-BABY or email us at drmorice@mybabydoc.com. We hope to hear from you soon!
