MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Internal fetal monitoring

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Internal fetal monitoring

Internal fetal monitoring involves placing a electrode directly on the fetal scalp through the cervix. This test is performed to evaluate fetal heart rate and variability between beats, especially in relation to the uterine contractions of labor.

Update Date: 5/23/2006

Updated by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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