A fetal scalp electrode or FSE is a spiral wire that can be placed on the scalp of the fetus to monitor their heart rate and ensure their well-being. Placing a fetal scalp electrode is a crucial part of directly monitoring the fetus inside the womb (internal fetal monitoring). This helps in the evaluation of fetal heart rate as well as the variations in the fetal heartbeat, particularly regarding the contractions of the uterus during labor. The doctor measures the strength and duration of uterine contractions during labor and correlates them with the fetal heart rate and pattern. This allows the doctor to know whether the baby is having any distress.
The wire of the scalp electrode runs from the scalp of the baby to the mother’s cervix. The readings can be seen on a monitor to which the wire of the electrode is connected. A scalp electrode provides accurate reading, which does not get affected by factors like movement. The electrode can only be placed when the bag of water (amniotic sac) around the baby has broken and the cervix is dilated (opened). Internal fetal monitoring allows the doctor to closely monitor the baby during labor.
Your provider may use internal monitoring when external monitoring is not giving a good reading, or your provider may use this method to watch your baby more closely during labor. It is a more accurate assessment as compared to the assessment of the fetal heart rate through the mother’s abdomen (external fetal monitoring).
How is a fetal scalp electrode placed?
A fetal scalp electrode is placed for internal fetal monitoring, which is generally done when the patient is in labor. The doctor will explain the procedure and take the patient’s consent. The patient will be asked to wear a hospital gown before the procedure. During the procedure:
- The patient will lie on a labor bed with their feet and legs supported like in a pelvic examination.
- The healthcare provider will perform a vaginal exam with a gloved hand to know how much the cervix has dilated.
- If the amniotic sac is not broken, the provider will break open the membranes with a tool.
- The healthcare provider will then feel the part near the cervix (the presenting part), which is usually the baby’s head.
- A thin tube called a catheter is inserted in the vagina. The catheter is attached to a small wire (the electrode).
- The catheter is finally removed leaving the electrode on the baby’s scalp for monitoring.
Can a fetal scalp electrode harm the baby?
Fetal scalp electrode placement is a relatively safe procedure that does not use any sharp instruments or radiations. There may, however, be an increased risk of infections, injury, and bruising of the baby’s scalp or other body parts. Internal fetal monitoring should not be done if the mother has HIV infection since it may be transmitted to the baby during the procedure.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=external-and-internal-heart-rate-monitoring-of-the-fetus-92-P07776
Top What Is a Scalp Electrode? Related Articles
Childbirth Delivery Methods and Types
There are various childbirth delivery methods and types such as the Lamaze method, the Bradley method, water birth, and assisted births. Options for where a woman can deliver her baby include home birth, a birthing center, and a hospital. The method and type of labor and delivery options should be discussed with a woman's doctor.
Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)
Braxton hicks contractions are also known as false labor pains. Though these irregular uterine contractions may occur in the second trimester, they're more likely to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Unlike true labor pains, false labor pains are often irregular, may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions, and the contractions do not get closer together or stronger.
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor: How to Tell the Difference
Some pregnant women may mistake Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) for real labor contractions, especially in the first pregnancy. Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain. Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in third trimester of pregnancy, however, sometimes can occur in the second trimester. True labor contractions begin around your due date (unless your baby is preterm, in which you will be in preterm labor). So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few similarities and differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and True or real labor contractions.Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy, and are not as painful as real labor contractions; do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return.
Labor contractions
Frequently one of the early symptoms and signs of true labor is when the contractions begin to occur less than 10 minutes apart.
Real labor
Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain; may feel similar to menstrual cramps; and sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can be triggered by dehydration, sexual intercourse, increased activity of the mother or baby, touching of the pregnant woman's abdomen, or a distended bladder.
Natural and home remedies to soothe and provide comfort for Braxton Hicks contractions include relaxation exercises like deep breathing or mental relaxation; change positions or take a walk if you have been active and rest; drink a glass of herbal tea or water; eat; or soak in a warm bath for 30 minutes (or less).
Preterm labor signs and symptomsWhen you have reached 37 weeks, and the contractions are more painful and are increasing in frequency you will have abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping, an increase in pelvic pressure or back pain, and the contractions are more than four contractions an hour.
Labor Symptoms (Early Signs)
Every woman's experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus "Normal" labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the "baby dropping," increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.
How Do They Induce Labor?
Labor is a process that generally happens naturally in most women. However, it is estimated that 25% of women will need induction of their labor. Labor induction (also known as inducing labor) is stimulating the uterus by external means for faster childbirth through the vagina. This procedure has been increasingly done since the year 1996.
How Is A Cesarean Delivery Done?
Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by making an incision in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus. Although cesarean delivery is generally safe, it should be performed during certain circumstances. About 30% of all babies in the United States are born through cesarean delivery.How Long Does It Take to Go Into Labor After Being Induced?
In most healthy pregnancies, labor usually starts spontaneously between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. The onset of labor is characterized by softening and opening of the cervix, following which the uterus starts contracting and the water breaks.
Stages of Pregnancy
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.What Are the Side Effects of Cesarean Delivery?
Cesarean delivery is a surgery to deliver a baby through a surgical cut (incision) on the abdomen and uterus. It is generally a safe procedure for the mother and baby. There may, however, be a few risks to the health of the mother and baby. These risks are described below.
What Are the Side Effects of Vacuum Delivery?
Vacuum delivery is a type of assisted birth delivery also called ventouse-assisted delivery. Vacuum-assisted birth is a method to assist the delivery of a baby using a vacuum device. The side effects include potential risks to the mother and risks to the baby.
What Is the Process of Normal Delivery?
Normal delivery refers to childbirth through the vagina without any medical intervention. It is also known as a vaginal birth. Every delivery is unique and may differ from mothers to mothers. There are different stages of normal delivery or vaginal birth.
When Can You Have a VBAC After Cesarean Delivery?
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. If a woman has delivered a baby by Cesarean delivery and she is pregnant again, she may be able to choose between delivering through a repeat Cesarean delivery or a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).Why Is a Vacuum Used During Delivery?
During a normal vaginal delivery, the doctor may use a vacuum to aid in the removal of the baby from the birth canal. This is also called vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. This procedure augments (speeds up) the process of delivery, reduces the risk of injury to the baby and helps avoid cesarean delivery because it has a high risk of maternal morbidity. Vacuum extraction accounts for over 80% of operative vaginal deliveries in the United States.