Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring: Best Practices and the Role of Nurses

Author Name: Kiran Negi1, Dr. Shivani Gupta2, Prof. R. Mary Sumathi3, Dr. Sarika Saxena4, Beaulah Mercy Mary. T5, Vinothkumar Govindasamy6

Volume: 03/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/04.2025-25784691/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Nursing Tutor, Himalayiya College of Nursing,Sparsh Himalaya University,Majri, Uttarakhand, India
2. Associate Professor, Muzaffarnagar Nursing Institute, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
3. Principal Cum Professor, Vijaysinh Mohite Patil College of Nursing, Akluj, Maharashtra, India
4. Vice Principal, College of Nursing, GIMS, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
5. Principal cum Professor, Vatsalya Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
6. Professor, Karpaga Vinayaka College of Nursing, Chengalpattu, TN, India

ABSTRACT

Intrapartum fetal monitoring is a cornerstone of modern obstetric care, aimed at safeguarding fetal well-being during labor and delivery. Through the use of techniques such as intermittent auscultation (IA) and continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), clinicians can assess fetal heart rate and uterine contractions to detect signs of fetal distress. This paper explores the best practices in intrapartum fetal monitoring and underscores the pivotal role nurses play in its successful implementation. Nurses are not only responsible for the technical aspects of monitoring but also for the interpretation of data, communication with the interdisciplinary team, and providing education and support to laboring women and their families. The two primary methods—IA and EFM—are discussed in relation to their indications, benefits, and limitations. A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of accurate interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns, which are classified into three categories that guide clinical response. This classification system helps in identifying normal, indeterminate, and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns and prompts necessary interventions.

Key words: Intrapartum fetal monitoring, nurses, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), intermittent auscultation (IA), fetal heart rate interpretation, obstetric care, patient safety, labor and delivery, nursing roles, maternal-fetal outcomes.