Nurses and healthcare providers use several methods to assess fetal well-being, including:
Ultrasound Examinations: These are used to visualize the fetus and assess anatomical development, amniotic fluid levels, and placental position. Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: This can be done using a Doppler device or electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) to ensure the heart rate is within a normal range. Non-Stress Test (NST): This test measures the fetal heart rate in response to its movements to assess oxygenation and autonomic function. Biophysical Profile (BPP): Combines ultrasound and NST to evaluate fetal health, including movements, breathing, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume. Kick Counts: Mothers are instructed to count fetal movements over a specified period to gauge activity levels.
