Internal Monitoring

Internal monitoring
Internal monitoring can be done only after your cervix Opens New Window has dilated to at least 2 centimeters (cm) and your amniotic sac Opens New Window has ruptured. Once started, internal monitoring is done continuously.

Internal monitoring can also prevent an unnecessary cesarean for fetal distress if it shows the baby is healthy, compared to the less accurate external monitoring. Though there are risks associated with the internal monitor: ...

Internal Monitoring: This is more accurate than the electronic monitoring, does not use ultrasound, and can provide continuous monitoring for the high risk mother.

Internal Monitoring - A form of fetal monitoring during labor, in which a small electrode is placed under the fetus's scalp to accurately monitor contractions.

Internal Monitoring
A procedure that may be needed during labor. This involves the Fetal Scalp Electrode procedure, in which a device placed under the skin of the baby's scalp (while still in the uterus) to monitor the baby's heartbeat.
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- Internal monitoring involves placing a monitor electrode on the baby’s scalp and a thin tube or catheter is also inserted into the uterus via the vagina to monitor contractions.

With internal monitoring, you may experience some slight discomfort during the insertion of the electrode.
Risks of internal monitoring include, but are not limited to, infection and bruising of the fetal scalp or other body part.

Is internal monitoring okay?
Do you wish to wait for the urge to push rather than being directed to do so, even if you are fully dilated?
Do you wish to use a mirror so you can view the process and progress of delivery?

There are two types of fetal monitoring, external or internal monitoring. External monitoring is the most common. Internal monitoring is used when more accurate readings are required.

Your bag of waters (amniotic fluid) must be broken and your cervix must be partially dilated to use internal monitoring.

Fetal monitor: Device used before or during labour to listen to and record the fetal heartbeat. Can be external monitoring (through maternal abdomen) or internal monitoring (through maternal vagina) of the baby inside the uterus.

See also: Pregnancy, Delivery, Contractions, Contraction, Amnio