Monitoring fetal heart rate (FHR) is a crucial aspect of prenatal care, providing valuable insights into the well-being of the developing fetus. It involves measuring the rhythmic contractions of the fetal heart, typically expressed in beats per minute (bpm).
Regular FHR assessments are essential throughout pregnancy, allowing healthcare providers to detect potential complications early on. Abnormal heart rate patterns can indicate fetal distress, prompting timely interventions to ensure the baby’s health. Historically, FHR monitoring has evolved from external methods like palpation to advanced techniques like ultrasound and electronic fetal monitoring, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of measurements.
