Q. What is Fetal cardiac monitoring?

Fetal cardiac monitoring is needed when fetus has a cardiac defect /disease that is progressive in nature . It's recommended in mother with connective tissue disorders- sicca syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, etc where fetus is at high risk of heart blocks, bradycardia . Fetus with very high or low heart rate or irregular rythmn.The fetal heart rate may change as your baby responds to conditions in your uterus. An abnormal fetal heart rate may mean that your baby is not getting enough oxygen or that there are other problems.

Why might I need fetal heart monitoring?

Fetal heart rate monitoring is especially helpful if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Your pregnancy is high risk if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. It is also high risk if your baby is not developing or growing as it should. Fetal heart rate monitoring may be used to check how preterm labor medicines are affecting your baby. These are medicines are used to help keep labor from starting too early.