Fetal heart rates can be monitored via auscultation (i.e., listening to internal organs) with a stethoscope or by using an electronic fetal monitor device. During office visits, a healthcare provider may use auscultation as a technique to listen to a fetal heart rate, whereas in high-risk pregnancies (i.e., any pregnancy that requires close monitoring to reduce the chance of complications) or in the hospital, an electronic fetal monitor may be utilized instead. Electronic fetal monitors can be either internal or external. Internal monitors may use an electrode that is inserted into the uterus and placed on the fetus’ scalp with an intrauterine pressure catheter also placed into the uterus to measure the contractions. The internal method can only be used once the amniotic sac has ruptured, which is colloquially known as when the individual's “water breaks.” In comparison, the external method uses two transducers. One ultrasound transducer is placed on the abdomen near where the fetus is located, which can record the fetal heart rate. The other transducer is placed near the top of the abdomen to record uterine contractions. Both devices are held in place on the abdomen using elastic belts. On the monitor, both the fetal heart rate and the maternal contractions will be visually apparent and tracked.