Fetal heart monitoring and gestational diabetes
Content provided by Healthwise
Fetal heart monitoring and gestational diabetes
Fetal heart monitoring in a woman who has gestational diabetes is a way to record your baby's heart rate and measure the frequency and duration of tightening (contractions) of your uterus during labor.
A fetal heart monitor is a machine with sensors that may be placed on your belly (external) or inside your vagina (internal). Internal monitoring is more accurate than external monitoring.
- External monitoring uses sensors that are strapped with elastic belts around your belly. The sensors are connected to a machine that records your baby's heart rate and contractions of your uterus. If a nonstress test is being done at the same time, the baby's heart rate is recorded and you are asked to push a button to record every time you feel the baby move.
- Internal monitoring can only be done after the bag of waters (amniotic sac) has broken (ruptured).
- A Velcro strap with an attached sensor is wrapped around your thigh.
- A thin wire (electrode) is guided through the opening in your cervix and attached to the scalp of the fetus.
- The end of the electrode is then connected to the sensor on your thigh.
- A long, thin tube that measures the strength and length of contractions of your uterus may be inserted alongside the baby.
- The tube and electrode are connected to the monitoring machine that records the baby's heart rate and your contractions.
Credits
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lois Jovanovic, MD - Endocrinology |
| Last Updated | December 4, 2007 |
| Last updated: | December 04, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Lois Jovanovic, MD - Endocrinology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
