Fetal Surveillance and Obstetric Ultrasound
When should it be performed?
There are two key moments:
1. Antepartum Fetal Surveillance
This type of surveillance is performed as part of the pregnancy control routine during the last month. With pathological pregnancies, the fetal surveillance can be performed since week 32. It is also known as Non Stress Test (NST) or Antenatal Cardiotocography. This procedure registered the fetal cardiac frequency (FCF) when there are no contractions.
A reactive result indicates good fetal health, but a non-reactive result does not necessarily indicate sickness. Hence the importance of the Antepartum fetal surveillance method in the process of assessing fetal health.
2. Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance
This one is performed during the baby’s delivery, in either a spontaneous vaginal delivery and an induced labor and it consists in keeping a record of the fetal heart rate in relation with the contractions. This method is crucial when evaluating fetal oxygenation and it guarantees that the delivery is being properly tolerated by both, mom and baby. It also helps with early detection of acute fetal distress, which may indicate the need of a caesarian section in order to avoid any neurological consequences. Overall, fetal surveillance is fundamental during labor as to ensuring a safe vaginal delivery and also as a punctual indicator for when a caesarian section is needed in case of fetal distress.