What are fetal monitors?

A Doppler comprises of a probe, which is connected by a curly cable to a hand held unit. The unit uses ultrasound to examine the mother's stomach.

The probe emits an ultrasound wave, which is beamed into the body, this bounces off structures in the body back into the probe.

The Doppler is used to listen to the fetus and the fetal heart, to check the fetal condition and aid in detecting possible problems. As well as sound, the Doppler range can display and print the fetal heart rate.

Two of the Doppler's units can be used in waterbirth. Due to the increasing wareness, that water immersion is a natural pain relief in the first stage of labour. Therefore there is a need to monitor the fetus underwater using ultrasound.