What is an assessment tool used to evaluate fetal well-being during labor?

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Fetal monitoring is a primary assessment tool used to evaluate fetal well-being during labor. This method involves continuous or intermittent recording of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions to assess how well the baby is handling the stress of labor. By analyzing the fetal heart rate patterns, healthcare providers can detect signs of fetal distress, which may indicate that the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen, prompting timely intervention if necessary.

Other methods listed, such as ultrasound imaging, are more commonly used for assessing fetal well-being during pregnancy rather than during labor. Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure typically performed before labor for genetic testing or to assess amniotic fluid, and maternal heart rate monitoring focuses on the mother’s cardiovascular status rather than directly assessing fetal health. Thus, fetal monitoring stands out as the most relevant tool for evaluating fetal well-being specifically during labor.

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