What it is

There are two kinds of electronic monitors, external and internal. An external monitor can be used early in labour and is sometimes used during pregnancy to check the baby’s well-being. The internal monitor is slightly more accurate. You will have belts strapped around your body and a tiny electrode will be clipped on to the baby’s head. Your contractions and the baby’s heartbeat are recorded on a printout (partogram). There is also a video screen that records the contractions and heartbeats as visible waves, punctuated by flashing lights.

During a contraction blood flow to the placenta is reduced for a few seconds, and your baby`s heart rate will dip. This is quite normal and the heart rate returns to baseline when the contraction passes. If the return to base­line is delayed, your baby may be distressed and action can be taken early to protect his well-being. The latest type of EFM, known as telemetry, uses radio waves and allows you to walk around because the baby’s monitor is attached to a transmitter strapped to your thigh. The older equipment confines you to a bed or chair.

How it is done

Your waters bag are broken when the cervix is about 5-6 cm {2-TA in) dilated and the electrode is applied to your baby’s head. In addition to the baby’s monitor, which picks up his heartbeat, a second monitor is placed between your baby and the uterine wall to measure the pressure and contractions