Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is used during labor in all high-risk pregnancies. In low-risk pregnancies, electronic monitors may be used for about 20 minutes at the start of labor, for a few minutes each hour, or all the time. The devices for external fetal monitoring are held in place by two belts around the mother's abdomen. On one belt is a pressure gauge, which records the pressure of the contractions. Attached to the other belt is a small ultrasound instrument that records the baby's heart rate.
Monitoring is safe and fairly comfortable.
You can change positions while the devices are in place, but movement can sometimes disrupt the test recording. When the baby's heart rate is normal, the monitor may be disconnected at times. You can then move more freely. During most labors the monitor is attached for a few minutes each hour. When the monitor isn't being used, your health care provider may use a stethoscope to check the baby's heart rate every 15 minutes after a contraction.