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Being pregnant for the first time is a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Sure, there are frequent pre-natal visits, but some mothers would like to monitor their babies on their own. As early as 20 weeks, mothers can use at-home heart rate monitors (like the BabySonic Lite Doppler Prenatal Heartbeat Listening Monitor) to listen to their baby’s heart and ensure that there is adequate oxygen flow and no troubles in the womb. Purchasing a baby monitor system like this is very expensive ($499!), so it’s recommended that expectant mothers rent one ($24-$49/month) instead.

Baby heart rate monitors can also be internal. Usually the internal baby monitor system is only used when complications arise during labor. Once the mother’s cervix has dilated at least two centimeters and the amniotic sac has ruptured, continuous internal monitoring is done to find out whether the stressfulness of labor is threatening the baby’s health and also to measure the strength/duration of labor contractions. To do this, an electrode is inserted in through the vagina, cervix, uterus and to the baby’s head. Chart print-outs and beeping sounds let doctors and nurses know exactly what’s going on during this urgent time.

For the most part, baby heart rate monitors are just a normal part of pregnancy care. However, there are also some special reasons why someone may opt for more frequent monitoring. For instance, mothers with diabetes may want their babies tested for high blood pressure. Mothers who are over 41 weeks pregnant may want to check their baby’s health to see what the hold up is. If delayed fetal growth is revealed through the ultrasound, then the doctor may want to use the baby breathing monitor, as well as the ultrasound video monitors, to see if there may be trouble with uterine oxygen levels.

Most external heart rate monitors are used after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The woman being tested will lie on her back or left side, with two sensor belts attached around her belly. One sensor will track the baby’s heart rate, while the other measures the timing and strength of her contractions. The sensors attach to a recording device, which beeps or prints out reports immediately. During a 30-minute non-stress test, the mother will be asked to push a button whenever the baby moves or whenever she has a contraction. During the contraction stress test, contractions are induced using oxytocin intravenously, while contractions are measured. All in all, digital baby monitors are the best way to ensure the health of a forthcoming baby.

Disclaimer – Always seek professional medical advice.