Monitoring your baby during labour and birth

Monitoring your baby during labour and birth. The two most commonly used methods of monitoring the wellbeing of an unborn baby during labour are CTG machines (cardiotocograph) or the hand held fetal doppler. Many people assume that they will be automatically hooked up to a monitor when they go into hospital but that is just not the case. In the UK, if a woman is deemed to be in established (active) labour and is low risk, the midwife should offer to listen in to the baby every 15 minutes along with taking the mothers pulse using a hand held doppler. This enables the mother to mobilise as she wishes. The CTG machine provides continuous monitoring and should only be used for higher risk labours/women. Most hospitals will have corded machines which mean that you cant walk far from the monitor and are more likely to end up stuck on the bed. Some examples of reasons to use a CTG machine might be: . Induction of labour Epidurals Premature labour Meconium in the water Twins Women who have had a previous C-section . If there is any concern for the wellbeing of the baby, your midwife might recommend using a CTG but should explain exactly why. Women do not HAVE to be monitored at all. If you do not wish to have fetal monitoring then it is absolutely your right but your care provider will give you all the information required and discuss any risks so that you can make your own informed decision. . . . . . . . . . . . . #mom #birth #birthcenter #newborn #motherhood #hospital #babiesofinstagram #yoga #induction #labor #parenting #kidsfashion #fun #model #labourandbirth #momblogger #mama #son #babyfashion #postpartum #midwives #twins #mommyblogger #mamablogger #instababies #toddlers #sisters #summer #toddlerfun #childhood