An electronic fetal monitor measures the response of the baby's heartbeat to the contractions of the uterus. There are several different types of monitors. The labor and delivery nurse or a technician may be able to pick up on signs of fetal stress and distress through the variations found on the printout. Some monitors are equipped to sound an alarm if such a variation occurs. There are two types of fetal monitoring, external or internal monitoring.
External monitoring is the most common.
Internal monitoring is used when more accurate readings are required. Internal monitoring will be used if and when suspicion of fetal distress shows up in external monitoring. The doppler is a handheld ultrasound device that will transmit the baby's heart rate into speakers or earplugs. Often doctors or midwives will use this instrument in their office. The beauty of using a during labor is that it can be used intermittently with very little hassle for hospital staff or the laboring mother.