Fetal Monitoring Equipment

External Fetal Monitor

   The external fetal monitor consists of a Doppler ultrasound transducer that both emits and receives a signal from fetal cardiac activity.  This signal is converted via computer processing into a fetal heart rate tracing.  External monitors are used when the membranes are intact and cannot or should not be ruptured.  They are also used in situations when puncture of fetal skin is contraindicated when vertical transmission of infection is a concern (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes simplex).  They are attached to the maternal abdomen via a belt at a location where fetal cardiac signals are at their optimum for pickup.

Doppler Transducer

Transducer in Place

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