The electronic fetal monitor (ɪlɛkˈtɹɒnɪk ˈfiːtəl ˈmɒnɪtə) is a medical device used to track the baby's heart rate and the mother's contractions during childbirth. The spelling of this word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The word "electronic" is spelled with the short "i" sound /ɪ/ and the "e" in "fetal" is pronounced with a long "e" sound /iː/. The stress in both "electronic" and "fetal" falls on the second syllable. The final syllable in "monitor" has a schwa sound /ə/.
An electronic fetal monitor is a medical device used to monitor the heartbeat of a developing fetus during pregnancy and childbirth. This technology allows healthcare professionals to track the health and well-being of the baby, as well as identify any potential complications or abnormalities.
The electronic fetal monitor consists of two main components: a transducer and a monitor. The transducer is a small device that is placed on the mother's abdomen or inserted internally near the baby, depending on the stage of the pregnancy and the specific circumstances. It is designed to pick up and transmit the fetal heartbeat to the monitor.
The monitor is a display unit that provides a visual representation of the baby's heartbeat in real-time. It typically consists of a screen or graph that displays the fetal heart rate as well as uterine contractions. Some monitors also have additional features, such as the ability to record the data for later analysis or to sound an alarm if any abnormalities are detected.
By continuously monitoring the fetal heartbeat, healthcare professionals can assess the baby's response to various factors, including contractions, changes in the mother's position, and oxygen supply. This information helps them make informed decisions regarding the management of the pregnancy and delivery, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Overall, electronic fetal monitors are valuable tools in obstetrics, providing a non-invasive and effective means of monitoring the fetal heartbeat throughout pregnancy and childbirth.