What is a primary goal of monitoring fetal heart rate during labor?

Monitoring fetal heart rate during labor is primarily aimed at assessing fetal health and detecting signs of distress. This continuous or intermittent monitoring allows healthcare providers to evaluate how the fetus is responding to labor, particularly looking for patterns in the heart rate that may indicate whether the fetus is experiencing stress or is in jeopardy.

A normal fetal heart rate, typically ranging from 110 to 160 beats per minute, signals that the fetus is likely tolerating labor well. Conversely, abnormal patterns, such as bradycardia (a slow heart rate) or variable decelerations (sudden drops in heart rate), may indicate that the fetus is facing complications, such as umbilical cord compression or uteroplacental insufficiency. These findings can prompt timely interventions to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby, including potential surgical intervention if necessary.

Other options, while they pertain to aspects of the labor process, do not align with the primary objective of fetal heart monitoring during labor. Maternal comfort levels and encouraging maternal movement are important considerations but do not directly relate to the fetal assessment goal. Notifications for elective cesarean sections are also not a direct goal of heart rate monitoring, as these decisions are based on various clinical assessments rather than just