| Sumario: | The use of fetal heart monitoring (FHM) to diagnose the well-being of the fetus has been practised for centuries. There have been many technological FHM advances to aid midwives in monitoring the fetal heart. The use of the Pinard stethoscope or hand held doppler for intermittent auscultation (IA) is recommended in low-risk mothers-to-be. For high-risk pregnancies, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) offers continuous surveillance. However, since the introduction of EFM in the 1970s, its widespread use is causing much debate in the field of obstetrics, particularly because it is sometimes being routinely used to observe even low-risk cases. There is a call from regulatory bodies for a balanced use of EFM, and unnecessary intervention. regular EFM training for midwives will help them to interpret EFM data. According to some studies, EFM reassures expectant mothers and their technical advances are offering mothers more accurate information and freedom of movement during labour.
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